Paul Pierce scored 23 points and Ray Allen added 20 as the Boston Celtics came from behind to take down the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 96-93, on Monday.
Glen Davis chipped in 17 points and Rajon Rondo handed out 16 assists for the Celtics, who overcame a 45-30 rebounding deficit.
Boston pulled within 87-86 when Allen hit a 3-pointer with 2:57 left and took the lead on Shaquille O’Neal’s layup 50 seconds later. Michael Beasley and Rondo traded jumpers over the next 30 seconds, leaving the Celtics up by a point with just over a minute to play.
After Kevin Love missed a 3-pointer, Davis was fouled and hit both free throws, stretching Boston’s lead to 92-89 with 1:13 to go. Beasley made a pair of jumpers around one by Rondo to pull Minnesota within 94-93 with 31 seconds remaining.
The Timberwolves had another chance to take the lead, but Luke Ridnour was called for traveling with under 10 seconds to play. Nate Robinson drained a pair of free throws, and Beasley missed a desperation 3-pointer at the horn.
Love collected 12 points and 24 rebounds and Beasley scored 19 points for Minnesota.
Minnesota | Boston | |
Michael Beasley 19 | Scoring | Paul Pierce 23 |
Luke Ridnour 5 | Assists | Rajon Rondo 16 |
Kevin Love 24 | Rebounds | Paul Pierce 6 |
Kevin Love 6 | Free Throws Made | Paul Pierce 6 |
Michael Beasley 1 | Steals | Glen Davis 1 |
Wesley Johnson 1 | Blocks | Jermaine O'Neal 4 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Minnesota | 93 | 41.7 | 5-17 | 18-22 | 16 | 45 | 2 | 5 | 17 |
Boston | 96 | 45.1 | 5-16 | 17-20 | 22 | 30 | 7 | 3 | 11 |