Two big defensive plays and one put back in the last 23.2 seconds gave the Boston Celtics an 87-86 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the sold out TD BankNorth Garden on Friday night.
With the T-Wolves leading 86-85 Minnesota rookie Corey Brewer couldn’t inbound the ball and got called for a five-second violation turning the ball over. Celtics center Kendrick Perkins than tapped in a put back of a missed Ray Allen shot and the Green had the lead with 16.6 seconds remaining.
When Minnesota inbounded the ball after a timeout Rajon Rondo and Perkins double teamed Al Jefferson in front of the Minnesota bench nearly trapping him, Jefferson then air mailed a pass to Sebastian Telfair who had to leap to knock the ball down but ended up getting picked by Kevin Garnett who passed to Rondo as the time expired on the game clock sealing a win for Boston.
The Celtics were led by Perkins who had 21 points, Paul Pierce had 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, Ray Allen had 12 points and Garnett playing against his former team for the first time had 10 points and 19 boards as the Green improved to 34-7.
The Timberwolves, who dropped to 7-35, were led by Telfair who had 18 points and 6 assists, Jefferson who had 15 points and 5 boards, Ryan Gomes who had 13 points and Rashad McCants who had 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Minnesota sports five former Celtics on their roster, four or which came in the Garnett deal. Returning to Garden for the first time as visitors were Telfair, Jefferson, Gomes and Gerald Green. Antoine Walker also now makes his home in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Boston returns to action Sunday when they play the Magic in Orlando at 1 p.m.
