In a thrilling contest at the TD Garden on Sunday, the Boston Celtics secured a narrow 107-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win was powered by Jaylen Brown’s explosive start and Jayson Tatum’s steady leadership, extending the Celtics’ current win streak to five games. The game came down to the final possession, where Boston’s defense held strong to seal the hard-fought win.
Brown’s Early Fireworks Set the Tone
Jaylen Brown came out of the gates on fire, single-handedly giving the Celtics an early lead. He scored the team’s first 15 points by draining five consecutive three-pointers. This incredible display of shooting put the Timberwolves on their heels and energized the home crowd from the opening minutes.
Brown’s aggressive approach was a key factor in Boston establishing control. He finished the night with a team-high 29 points, demonstrating his ability to be a primary scoring option. His early dominance was the foundation for the Celtics’ lead, which they held for most of the game.
“I just wanted to come out aggressive and make my presence felt,” Brown commented after the game. “The shots were falling, but it was a team effort to keep the momentum going.”
Tatum Takes Over in a Pivotal Third Quarter
While Brown provided the initial spark, Jayson Tatum ensured the Celtics maintained their advantage. After the Timberwolves cut the deficit to just one point early in the third quarter, Tatum took control.
He ignited a blistering 14-0 run for the Celtics, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to stretch the lead to 79-60. This crucial stretch showcased Tatum’s ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs him most. His all-around performance included 26 points and eight rebounds, highlighting his importance on both ends of the floor.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his star forward, stating, “Tatum has this ability to take over when we need it most. That run was critical, and it showed why he’s one of the league’s premier players.”
Timberwolves’ Resilience Comes Up Short
Minnesota refused to go down without a fight, mounting a serious comeback in the fourth quarter. The team showed immense grit, slowly chipping away at Boston’s large lead. Anthony Edwards was spectacular for the Timberwolves, leading their charge with 28 points and nine rebounds.
Other key contributors for Minnesota made a significant impact as they fought to get back in the game.
- Julius Randle provided a secondary scoring punch with 23 points, including a crucial layup that made it a two-point game with 34 seconds left.
- Rudy Gobert was a force on the boards, grabbing an impressive 20 rebounds to go along with 10 points for his eighth double-double of the season.
Despite their efforts, the Timberwolves’ final play came up empty. With 7.1 seconds remaining, Edwards drove to the basket but was met by a fantastic defensive play from Jaylen Brown. The ball found its way to Naz Reid, whose last-second three-point attempt missed, allowing the Celtics to escape with the win.
A Game of Runs and Key Stops
The contest was defined by momentum swings, but Boston’s ability to execute in clutch moments made the difference. The team’s defense, particularly in the final seconds, was a testament to their focus and commitment. Brown’s stop on Edwards was the game-winning play, epitomizing the team’s defensive identity.
Boston’s ball movement was another significant factor in their victory. The Celtics assisted on 25 of their 37 made field goals, reflecting an unselfish style of play that has become a hallmark of their success this season.
Quarter-by-Quarter Game Summary
The game’s flow was a tale of different quarters, with both teams having periods of dominance. Boston’s strong second and third quarters built a lead that was just large enough to withstand Minnesota’s furious fourth-quarter rally.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 28 | 27 | 30 | 22 | 107 |
| Timberwolves | 33 | 16 | 23 | 33 | 105 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the top scorers in the Celtics vs. Timberwolves game?
Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics with 29 points, while Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the Minnesota Timberwolves with 28 points.
What was the key moment in the game?
A critical turning point was the Celtics’ 14-0 run in the third quarter, fueled by Jayson Tatum, which extended their lead to 19 points. Additionally, Jaylen Brown’s defensive stop on Anthony Edwards in the final seconds secured the victory for Boston.
How did Jaylen Brown start the game?
Jaylen Brown had an incredible start, scoring the Celtics’ first 15 points by making five consecutive three-pointers. This set an aggressive tone for Boston early in the game.
What is the Celtics’ current win streak?
With this victory over the Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics extended their season-high winning streak to five games.
