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Wolves top Celtics

Posted on June 4, 2011 at 03:48 AM.

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Randolph scored 20 points and nabbed his second consecutive player of the game award.

January 3rd, 2011. The Minnesota Timberwolves travelled to Boston to take on the top seed in the East, the Celtics. Going into the night the Wolves sat 25 and 9 while the Celtics were 25 and 6, each leading their respective conferences. Only one team would come out victorious in what some called a potential NBA Finals preview (although I'm sure the Bulls, Heat and Spurs would have something to say about that).

The game started much like a finals contest with both teams amping up the defensive pressure. The Celtics would create 9 steals on the night while adding 7 blocks, the Timberwolves only managed 3 steals, but the return of Deandre Jordan strengthened the inside with the Wolves amassing 11 blocks. Jordan only had the one block himself, but his presence made it easier for Wesley Johnson to come flying out of nowhere on several occasions on his way to a game high three blocks in the contest.

The Wolves turned the ball over 10 times on the evening, to the Celtics four occasions, but many of the Wolves blocks created a change of possession. The defensive pressure led to a low scoring opening term, which saw the visitors in front 19 to 14.

For the Celtics, Ray Allen struggle greatly in the first half only hitting on 1 of 7 field goal attempts. While Rider's production was also limited, as the Wolves looked to Anthony Randolph to carry them on his back. Unfortunately for the Wolves Randolph struggled with foul trouble and had to sit a lot in the first half, but was effective for the time he was on the court.

Fortunately for the Wolves the absence of Love and Jordan in previous weeks had allowed the Wolves to give solid court time to Nikola Pekovic who had seized his opportunities and shown much promise. While Pekovic only scored two points on the night in 16 minutes, he did grab 7 rebounds including two on the offensive glass. Jordan grabbed 9 rebounds on his return and 8 points, but let himself down with poor free throw shooting.

The Wolves broke the game open in the second on the back of contributions from everybody with a 32 to 24 point quarter. From that point the Wolves pretty much cruised until the last four minutes when the Celtics mounted a come back and pulled within four points, but forced to go to the foul line the Timberwolves held their nerve and drilled their free throws. The final score 98 to 91, Timberwolves victorious.

Rider finished with 15 points and 5 assists, while Eric Bledsoe scored 14 points in 18 minutes while also sharing 5 dimes. Randolph had 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks and no turnovers in an excellent all round performance. With Kevin Love due back within the next two to three weeks the Wolves have a plethora of talented young big men at their disposal.

Ray Allen overcame his first half shooting woes to pace the Celtics with 18 while Garnett toiled workmanlike for his 17 and 7 rebounds. Rondo fell one point shy of a double-double with 9 points and 11 assists, but only shot 30% from the field.

The Wolves return home to face the Bobcats on Wednesday, 5th of January.

Season Record: 26-9.