Tag: Minnesota Timberwolves

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NBA (Basketball)

Anthony Edwards’ Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead

Anthony Edwards' Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead
Anthony Edwards' Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead

Trailing at halftime and struggling on the boards, the Minnesota Timberwolves found themselves in a precarious position against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their second-round series. With the team down and momentum slipping away, star guard Anthony Edwards delivered a halftime speech that refocused the group.

He reminded his teammates that despite their 2-1 series lead, the job was far from finished. Edwards’ message emphasized urgency and accountability, warning that their first-half performance would lead to a loss if it continued.

Edwards’ Leadership Ignites Historic Third-Quarter Surge and Dominant Timberwolves Defensive Stand

Inspired by Edwards’ leadership, the Timberwolves exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 39-17—the largest point differential in a single quarter in franchise postseason history. Edwards himself poured in 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the quarter, nearly matching Golden State’s total.

The turnaround wasn’t just offensive; Minnesota’s defense also tightened up, holding the Warriors to 36.8% shooting and dominating the glass after being outrebounded badly in the first half.

Anthony Edwards' Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead
Anthony Edwards’ Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead

Head coach Chris Finch praised Anthony Edwards as the vocal leader who ignited the team’s shift in energy and execution. Teammate Julius Randle, who also had an impressive 31-point performance, recognized Edwards as the true catalyst behind the Timberwolves’ success.

Randle noted that while both he and Edwards play key roles, it’s the young guard’s presence and mindset that drive the team forward. Edwards’ leadership and all-around performance were crucial in helping Minnesota secure a 3-1 lead in the series.

Bench Brilliance and Defensive Intensity Propel Timberwolves Toward Potential Series-Clinching Game 5

While Edwards and Randle were the primary scorers, the Timberwolves received valuable contributions from their supporting cast. Jaden McDaniels pulled down a postseason career-high 13 rebounds and added 10 points.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker came off the bench with a perfect shooting night, scoring 13 points on 5-for-5 from the field. Meanwhile, the Wolves clamped down defensively, limiting Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to just nine combined second-half points after they had scored 27 in the first.

With a 3-1 series lead, Minnesota now returns home to Minneapolis for Game 5, where they’ll look to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.

The team acknowledges the challenge ahead and knows that they must carry their third-quarter urgency into the full 48 minutes on Wednesday. As Alexander-Walker put it, the next win will be the hardest, and the Wolves will need to stay focused and hungry to finish the job.

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NBA (Basketball)

Timberwolves Bolster Roster with Jaylen Clark’s New Deal and Bones Hyland’s Arrival

Jaylen Clark
Jaylen Clark (NFL)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are making key adjustments to their roster as they prepare for the latter part of the season. They have signed Jaylen Clark to a standard two-year contract after his strong performances in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the team plans to add Bones Hyland on a two-way deal, reuniting him with Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, who originally drafted him in Denver. These moves aim to strengthen both the team’s defensive versatility and offensive firepower.

Clark has quickly proven his value since joining the Timberwolves’ rotation in late January. The 6-foot-4 guard has provided energy and efficiency, averaging 6.9 points per game in February while shooting an impressive 47.4% from the field and 44% from three-point range. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court has earned him a permanent role within the team, culminating in his contract conversion.

Jaylen Clark
Jaylen Clark (NFL)

Defensively, Clark has been a key asset, regularly taking on tough assignments, including a recent matchup against star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Opponents have shot just 41% against him when he is the primary contesting defender, according to ESPN Research. Originally a second-round pick in 2023, Clark missed last season due to an Achilles injury but has recovered remarkably to earn a place in the Timberwolves’ plans.

Hyland Adds Scoring, Defense, and Playmaking Depth to Timberwolves’ Backcourt Rotation

Hyland, on the other hand, brings scoring depth and defensive tenacity to Minnesota. The 24-year-old guard has averaged 7.2 points per game this season while shooting a career-best 39% from three-point range in limited minutes with the LA Clippers. He was recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks but was waived, giving the Timberwolves an opportunity to sign him on a two-way deal.

His impact extends beyond scoring, as he ranks among the top five in steals per 36 minutes among players with at least 200 minutes played this season. His ability to provide instant offense was evident in games where he played at least 20 minutes, averaging 17.7 points in those appearances. Having previously played for Connelly in Denver, Hyland will look to revitalize his career in Minnesota as the Timberwolves push for a strong finish to the season.

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NBA (Basketball)

NBA roundup: Naz Reid leads the Timberwolves to a dominant win over the Western Conference-leading Thunder

Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder

Naz Reid had 27 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves win 116-101 over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in Minneapolis.

Anthony Edwards added 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists for Minnesota, ending a two-game losing streak despite Rudy Gobert being out with back spasms. Jaden McDaniels scored 21 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Oklahoma City never led during the game, marking the first time that happened this season.

Jalen Williams scored 20 points for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and Isaiah Hartenstein also had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Pelicans 140, Kings 133 (OT)

CJ McCollum scored 43 points, including a key 3-pointer in overtime, leading New Orleans to a win over Sacramento, ending their 10-game losing streak.

Trey Murphy III added 18 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Jose Alvarado scored 18 points for New Orleans.

Zach LaVine had 32 points and 10 assists for the Kings, whose three-game winning streak ended. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points and 28 rebounds, and Malik Monk scored 24 points and had nine assists.

Warriors 105, Rockets 98

Stephen Curry scored 27 points, leading Golden State to a win over Houston, despite a late comeback from the Rockets.

The Warriors improved to 3-1 since acquiring Jimmy Butler III, who contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Golden State moved above .500 with a 28-27 record entering the All-Star break. Brandin Podziemski added 18 points, Draymond Green had 13 points and eight assists, and Moses Moody scored 10 points.

Aaron Holiday scored a season-high 25 points for the Rockets, while Jock Landale added 13 points and eight rebounds, including 11 points in the fourth quarter. Nate Williams also had a season-high 11 points in 18 minutes.

Terrrence Shannon Jr. celebrates after scoring

Clippers 120, Jazz 116 (OT)

Norman Powell scored a career-high 41 points and led the Clippers past Utah in overtime in Salt Lake City.

Powell scored nine of the Clippers’ 12 points in overtime. James Harden added 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. Ben Simmons made his Clippers debut with 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen also scored 20 points.

Mavericks 118, Heat 113

Dante Exum scored a season-high 27 points to help Dallas defeat Miami in the final game before the All-Star break for both teams.

Max Christie scored 19 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 18, and Kessler Edwards had a season-high 15 points. The Mavericks won for the fourth time in their last five games despite missing eight players due to injury, including Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.

Tyler Herro matched his season high with 40 points for Miami, which lost its fourth straight game. Kel’el Ware scored 17 points, Kyle Anderson had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Alec Burks added 12 points off the bench.

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NBA (Basketball)

Timberwolves secure a vital win over the Thunder with key contributions from rookies Shannon and Dillingham

Terrrence Shannon Jr. celebrates after scoring

The Minnesota Timberwolves were missing key players for their last game before the All-Star break. They faced the top team in the Western Conference while playing back-to-back nights, following a tough loss to a team missing several players. However, the rookies stepped up and were ready to perform.

With four of their top eight scorers injured, the Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-101 on Thursday. It was one of their best wins in a season full of ups and downs, showing the importance of drafting and developing young players, even for veteran teams.

Terrence Shannon Jr. came off the bench first, scoring all 13 of his points in the first half, along with six rebounds in 29 minutes and a plus-23 rating.

Rob Dillingham contributed six points and five assists in 21 minutes with a plus-18 rating.

Jaylen Clark, who is technically in his second year after sitting out his rookie year due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, made his first career start.

“I love how the young guys have been playing. I really do,” said head coach Chris Finch, who has been cautious about expanding his rotations over the past three seasons with the Timberwolves always competing for a playoff spot. “We’ve got to try to maintain a role for them going forward.

Maybe not every night. They’ve got to stay ready. Who knows when and how healthy we’ll get at any given time, so we’ll wait for that to happen before we make any predictions. But I just kind of like how they’re fighting.”

Clark didn’t have much of an impact in his 24 minutes on Thursday, but Finch made sure to recognize the 2023 second-round draft pick’s recent improvements. Over a five-game homestand from Feb. 1-8, Clark averaged 22 minutes and scored 49 points in total.

Dillingham, the eighth overall pick from Kentucky, played with high energy and helped put pressure on Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s top scorer, holding him to a 6-for-21 shooting night.

Rob Dillingham works towards as Aaron Wiggins defends in the 1st half

Shannon has played more minutes in the last four games, and on Thursday, he set career highs in points, rebounds, minutes, and plus-minus.

“He’s super tough, but we already knew that,” Dillingham said. “Any time I see him on the fast break, I throw it up. It’s an automatic bucket or a foul. And he plays defense.”

Shannon was asked when he realized his way into getting playing time was through defense.

“Ah, I knew that before I came into the NBA,” Shannon said. “I was always a two-way player, and that was my mindset coming into the NBA.”

Shannon and Dillingham worked well together with another young player, Luka Garza, who contributed eight points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes. The two first-round picks brought energy to the offense, which was felt by their teammates and the fans.

In the second quarter, Clark grabbed a defensive rebound and passed it to Dillingham, who found Shannon for a layup over Thunder player Chet Holmgren to extend the lead to 52-35.

On the next possession, Dillingham drove to the basket, drawing three defenders, and passed to Shannon in the corner. Shannon missed the three, but Naz Reid grabbed the rebound and passed it to Clark, who then assisted Shannon for another layup.

In the fourth quarter, Dillingham ran a fast break and made a behind-the-back pass to Reid on the wing. Reid passed the ball back to Dillingham, who finished with a running layup to put the Timberwolves up 103-89.

“We just work out every day and wait for our opportunity,” Dillingham said. “Everyone is just positive with what they do. We come in whenever we get a chance, and we can perform.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Minnesota Timberwolves dominate Utah Jazz for fifth consecutive win

Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz

Anthony Edwards scored 36 points and had 11 assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves stretched their winning streak to five games with a 138-113 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Thursday.

Edwards shot 12 of 18 from the field, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range, and blocked three shots.

The Timberwolves shot a remarkable 61.3 percent from the field and hit 21 of 38 (55.3 percent) from 3-point range.

Despite shooting 50.6 percent, Utah couldn’t keep pace with Minnesota in the second half and lost its eighth straight game.

Keyonte George led six Jazz players in double figures with 23 points, making all seven of his shots from the floor and 7 of 8 free throws. Collin Sexton added 19 points, and John Collins and Jordan Clarkson each scored 16.

Minnesota rookie Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, contributed a career-high 19 points and eight assists in a reserve role. Luka Garza also had a season-high 16 points, shooting 6-of-7 from the field.

Former Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Nickeil Alexander-Walker both had strong performances in their return to Utah. Gobert finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, while Alexander-Walker had 15 points and five assists.

Minnesota’s Julius Randle left the game with right groin soreness after playing 10 minutes and scoring six points. He did not return.

Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves overcame an early 15-point deficit to take a 57-53 lead at halftime. Edwards led the way in the third quarter with 16 points as Minnesota outscored Utah 44-22 in the period to take control of the game.

Utah came out strong, with Lauri Markkanen, who finished with 15 points, hitting a 3-pointer to start the game. He helped the Jazz open with a 25-10 run, including another 3-pointer, while Minnesota looked tired after playing the night before in Phoenix.

However, the Timberwolves finished the first quarter on a 12-4 run to cut the deficit to 31-27.

In the second quarter, Minnesota took the lead after an 18-2 run, led by Naz Reid, who hit three 3-pointers.

Utah closed the half strong, with Sexton hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to trim the Timberwolves’ lead to four points at halftime.

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NBA (Basketball)

Hot Wolves face Jazz in Salt Lake City after Chris Finch’s intense performance

Minnesota coach Chris Finch (NBA)

Minnesota coach Chris Finch didn’t finish watching his team’s game in Phoenix on Wednesday night, but he had to be pleased with what happened after he was ejected.

The Timberwolves were trailing by two points in the third quarter when Finch was thrown out for arguing with the referees. However, they went on to win 121-113, extending their winning streak to four games. They’ll look to make it five in a row when they play the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Thursday night.

Players told The Minnesota Star Tribune that Finch’s fiery attitude might have been influenced by a tense film session earlier in the day.

“You should’ve seen him this morning,” said Julius Randle, who scored 28 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out six assists, and made three steals against the Suns.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored 23 points and made 5-of-10 three-pointers, said, “Everybody was getting yelled at” during the film session.

“I think he went to sleep last night with violence on his mind,” Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards said after scoring 33 points with seven rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals. “And you know how you go to sleep with something on your mind and you’re hoping when you wake up … I don’t think his sleep was good enough.”

The Timberwolves had to battle back after falling behind by 12 points in the second quarter. They turned it around, going up by 14 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Now, the Timberwolves will try for their first five-game winning streak of the season. This is the second time they’ve won four in a row.

Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers

Utah is coming into the game on a seven-game losing streak, the worst of their season. The Jazz didn’t play on Wednesday after traveling back from San Francisco following a back-to-back set on Monday and Tuesday.

The Jazz did get some good news on Wednesday regarding their injury report. After missing seven players in their loss to the Warriors, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson are set to play against Minnesota.

John Collins, Johnny Juzang, and Walker Kessler were upgraded to questionable.

Despite being without many key players, the Jazz kept it close with the Warriors on Tuesday, losing 114-103. Collin Sexton had a great game, scoring 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting, adding four assists. Jazz coach Will Hardy praised Sexton’s effort.

“Collin is one of my favorite players that I’ve ever been around,” Hardy said. “I tell Collin all the time, ‘I love you and you drive me crazy.’ Both can be true. His fire every day is something that I think we all should aspire to have.”

Hardy was proud of how competitive the Jazz were against the Warriors, despite their injuries and the fact that the Warriors were playing without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga.

“These lessons are good for our group, and I’m glad that we’re going through them together,” Hardy said. “I continue to be optimistic about the group as a whole and the growth that we’re showing, the competitiveness that we’re showing, the connectivity that we’re showing.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors

Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors
Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors

The Minnesota Timberwolves showed resilience in their game against the Golden State Warriors, battling back from a significant first-quarter deficit. Despite their relentless effort over the final three quarters, the Wolves fell just short, losing 116-115. The loss highlighted both their fighting spirit and the glaring issues that continue to plague their season.

Minnesota’s first quarter was nothing short of catastrophic. The Warriors, despite being short-handed due to injuries, jumped to a 13-0 lead before the Wolves even scored. By the end of the quarter, Golden State had a commanding 34-10 lead, a combination of Minnesota’s lackluster energy and Golden State’s desperate play. The sluggish start ultimately proved insurmountable, overshadowing the Wolves’ determined comeback effort.

Anthony Edwards Reflects on Team’s Performance and Challenges

Anthony Edwards, who led the team with 28 points and eight rebounds, acknowledged the team’s slow start but took pride in their fight. He stressed the importance of finishing strong but also recognized the urgency for better starts. Despite Edwards’ thoughtful reflection on the game and team’s state, the loss was particularly painful given the Wolves’ recent momentum and upcoming tough schedule.

Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors
Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors

The Warriors were missing key players, including Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, making this a game the Wolves needed to win. Instead, Golden State, led by unlikely contributors like Gui Santos, managed to outplay the Wolves early. Santos, in his first NBA start, played a key role, exposing Minnesota’s struggles despite being an inexperienced G League player.

Minnesota could not blame officiating, as they had more free-throw attempts than Golden State and were the beneficiaries of additional foul calls. The loss also wasn’t due to travel fatigue, as both teams had been enduring a grueling schedule. Instead, it was clear that the Wolves’ poor start was entirely self-inflicted and a result of their ongoing struggles to bring energy at the outset of games.

Golden State Dominates Timberwolves in Season Series Matchups

The loss marked Minnesota’s third defeat against the Warriors this season. Golden State has struggled against other opponents but has found ways to beat the Wolves consistently. With multiple regrettable losses already this season, including two against Portland, this latest setback adds to Minnesota’s frustration as they try to climb the standings in a competitive Western Conference.

Despite rallying in the later quarters, key mistakes in crunch time cost the Wolves. Turnovers and missed defensive assignments allowed Golden State to stay ahead. Stephen Curry’s clutch three-pointer late in the game punished a momentary lapse in defensive focus, sealing the victory for the Warriors. Additionally, Rudy Gobert’s inability to secure a crucial rebound in the final seconds denied the Wolves one last chance to steal the game.

Gobert, once dominant on the boards, has seen a noticeable decline in his rebounding numbers. His regression has hurt the Wolves’ defensive rebounding efficiency, ranking 22nd in the league, a significant drop from ninth last season. Head coach Chris Finch emphasized that rebounding starts before the shot is taken and pointed to positional issues that continue to affect the team’s ability to secure defensive boards.

With 40 games played, the Wolves still struggle with consistency, particularly in avoiding prolonged stretches of poor play. Their upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Nuggets. If they fail to improve their starts, these stronger teams could bury them early. Despite some recent progress, the Wolves must prove they can sustain success against top-tier opponents if they hope to be a serious playoff contender.

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NBA (Basketball)

The Timberwolves Aim To Maintain Their Winning Streak As They Face The Struggling Hawks In Minneapolis

Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley is aware that he and his teammates have struggled with consistency this season.

However, there might be a change coming. The Timberwolves are coming off one of their best wins of the season and will look for their third straight victory when they play the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Minneapolis.

Conley believes the key to their success lies in their mindset.

“Number one, it’s not getting bored of doing the right thing,” Conley said. “We’ve had spells where we do it for four or five possessions and then we say, ‘Let’s go (get isolations), or let’s try something else.’

No, just keep playing fast. Keep throwing the ball ahead, getting transition looks, just getting downhill and sharing the basketball.

“When we put energy to that side of the basketball, I think it bodes well for us.”

The Timberwolves saw the results of this approach in a 133-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. This came just three days after their 115-114 road win over the Dallas Mavericks.

As the Timberwolves look to keep the momentum going, the Atlanta Hawks are trying to end their four-game losing streak. The Hawks lost 117-94 at home to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks

Injuries have made things harder for the Hawks. Jalen Johnson (shoulder) and De’Andre Hunter (illness) missed the last game and are considered day-to-day for Monday’s game in Minnesota.

The Hawks’ No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, is also out due to a thigh injury. The 19-year-old is averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in his rookie season.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder said these injuries have forced players into unfamiliar roles, which has led to more turnovers and mistakes.

“Some guys were in unfamiliar situations,” Snyder said after the loss. “Having some guys out, that made it harder for us. You saw the result.”

The Timberwolves are missing a couple of players as well, Donte DiVincenzo (toe) and rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. (ankle), for Monday’s game. DiVincenzo recently learned he won’t need surgery, but there’s no clear timeline for his return.

Trae Young leads the Hawks with 22.8 points per game and 11.5 assists. Johnson is second on the team with 18.9 points and a team-high 10.0 rebounds.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards leads with 26.3 points per game on 44.5 percent shooting. Julius Randle is averaging 18.9 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Naz Reid (13.6 ppg) believes the Timberwolves’ recent improvements are a positive sign for the future.

“We’ve got to figure it out, as far as staying consistent,” Reid said. “Taking our time, processing everything, playing for each other. I think we’ve been playing like that lately.

“It takes a while. I’ve been saying it since the beginning of the year, it takes a while to get to this point. Still a long way to go, … but I think (it comes down to) habits, just continue our habits we’re building right now.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Steph Curry guides the Golden State Warriors to a tight victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in San Francisco

Anthony Edwards and Steph Curry in the game

Steph Curry had an impressive performance, scoring 31 points and adding eight assists to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA regular-season game. Curry hit a crucial three-pointer with 43.7 seconds remaining, helping the Warriors secure their eighth win of the season.

This win came after a challenging game in which Golden State had built a 24-point lead but needed Curry’s late heroics to hold on for the victory.

Curry was highly effective from three-point range, making 7 of 12 shots from beyond the arc. He finished with 10 field goals out of 21 attempts. Andrew Wiggins also played a key role in the win, scoring 24 points, with 18 of those coming in the second half. Thanks to their efforts, the Warriors moved up to 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

Stephen Curry takes the shot in the game

On the Timberwolves’ side, both Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points each, keeping Minnesota in the game and making it competitive until the final moments. Rudy Gobert contributed with seven points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle added 17 points. Despite the defeat, Minnesota remains in 8th place in the Western Conference, holding a one-game lead over Golden State.

The game was a back-and-forth contest, with the Warriors initially building a comfortable lead, only to see the Timberwolves rally back. In the end, Curry’s clutch three-pointer was the difference, securing the win for Golden State and giving them a much-needed victory in a season that has been a struggle.

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Jayson Tatum leads Celtics past Timberwolves in Boston

Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves

Jayson Tatum scored 33 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded nine assists, helping the Boston Celtics hold off the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 118-115 victory on Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Derrick White added 26 points, shooting 10-for-20 for Boston, which won its second consecutive game. Sam Hauser contributed 15 points, and Jrue Holiday chipped in 11.

Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Naz Reid scored 20 points off the bench, and Jaden McDaniels added 19.

The Celtics won despite missing two key starters, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Brown was out with a right shoulder strain, and Porzingis was sidelined with a sprained left ankle.

Boston shot 50 percent (46 of 92) from the field and 38.6 percent (22 of 57) from three-point range. Minnesota made 50.7 percent (37 of 73) of their shots and 55.3 percent (21 of 39) from beyond the arc.

Turnovers hurt the Timberwolves, who committed 16 while Boston had only four.

Jayson Tatum celebrates in the 2nd half

The Celtics led by as many as 14 points before the Timberwolves fought back to tie the game 94-94 with 9:16 left. Donte DiVincenzo hit a three to even the score.

Tatum, who shot 13 of 27 from the field, helped Boston hold off the Timberwolves’ comeback. He hit a 14-foot jumper to put Boston ahead 112-104 with 4:20 left.

With Brown out, White stepped up as a second scoring option for the Celtics. He hit a step-back three-pointer to give Boston a 115-107 lead with 2:59 to go. After Reid answered with a three-pointer for Minnesota, White made another three to push the lead to 118-110.

Minnesota scored the last five points, with a layup from Reid and three free throws from DiVincenzo, but ran out of time to complete their rally.

At halftime, Boston led 62-51. Tatum and Hauser both had 12 points before the break, while Randle led Minnesota with 15 points.

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NBA (Basketball)

Celtics face challenging road matchup against Timberwolves

Boston Celtics (NBA)

The Boston Celtics may need to prepare extra ice packs for their upcoming road trip, and guard Jrue Holiday is ready for the challenge.

“Teams are challenging us,” Holiday said. “I think the game is becoming more physical, which is good. I think that’s a benefit for us where we can do the same.”

The Celtics will begin their four-game road trip with a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Boston is coming off a dominant 54-point win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, wrapping up an impressive 2024 calendar year for the defending NBA champions, who are focused on another title run in 2025.

However, a recent injury update could make Thursday’s game more difficult for the Celtics.

Forward Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder strain. Brown has been averaging 24.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 28 games this season.

Another forward, Kristaps Porzingis, is also questionable due to a sprained left ankle. Porzingis has missed three consecutive games and is averaging 18.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in 11 starts.

Minnesota also has a couple of injured players, but none are regular starters. Rookie guard Rob Dillingham is out with a right ankle sprain, and backup big man Luka Garza is also out due to a left ankle sprain, which has kept him out for the last six games.

Minnesota Timberwolves players celebrate after a goal

The Timberwolves are led by Anthony Edwards, who averages 24.8 points per game on 44.3 percent shooting. Julius Randle is second on the team with 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, is most concerned about turnovers. He said his team was careless with the ball, committing 23 turnovers in their latest game, a 113-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

“If we don’t turn the ball over, we can control this game,” Finch said. “No doubt about it.”

One player who is back for Boston is Holiday, who returned to action on Tuesday after missing three games due to a shoulder injury. He scored 14 points, making 4 of 5 shots from three-point range.

Holiday joked that the shoulder injury might have actually helped improve his shooting.

“Maybe the hit is what helped it,” Holiday said. “Maybe it got my shoulder in line.”

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has recently urged the team to be more aggressive on defense.

Holiday said this challenge suits his style of play.

“I think it’s just about being active and using your instincts,” Holiday said. “That’s something that I always like to do — think the game, especially on the defensive end. Be able to get deflections, start the break and things like that. It’s definitely fun for me, being more active.”

This will be the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. Boston won the first game 107-105 at home on November 24.

Brown led the Celtics with 29 points in that game. Jayson Tatum added 26 points and eight rebounds, while Derrick White contributed 19 points and nine rebounds.

For Minnesota, Edwards scored 28 points with nine rebounds and seven assists. Randle added 23 points, and Rudy Gobert had 10 points and 20 rebounds.

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NBA (Basketball)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Wolves for 12th consecutive victory

Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to 12 games.

This is the Thunder’s longest streak since early in the 2012-13 season, tying the record for the franchise since it moved to Oklahoma City. The longest streak in franchise history is a 12-game run by the 1995-96 Seattle SuperSonics.

After a slow start, Isaiah Hartenstein finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams each had 14 points and seven rebounds, with Williams also adding seven assists.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 20 points in the second quarter, but their three-game win streak was broken. Naz Reid contributed 19 points and eight rebounds, Mike Conley scored 16 points, Julius Randle added 11 points and six assists, and Donte DiVincenzo had 10 points and five assists.

Minnesota trailed by 14 points entering the fourth quarter but cut the lead to three twice in the final 3:14. However, each time Oklahoma City answered back.

Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)

The last response came with just under two minutes left, when Williams passed the ball to Gilgeous-Alexander near the top of the key, and he hit a 3-pointer to give the Thunder a six-point lead with 1:48 remaining.

This was Gilgeous-Alexander’s fourth 40-point game of the season, with three of those coming during the Thunder’s current streak.

In the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander was dominant. With just a few seconds left in the quarter, he drove to the basket, made a layup that hung in the air for a moment before dropping, and the crowd erupted. That gave him 19 points in the quarter.

The Timberwolves turned the ball over 11 times in the third, allowing Oklahoma City to score 20 points off those mistakes. The Thunder finished with 31 points from Minnesota’s season-high 24 turnovers. Oklahoma City committed 13 turnovers, leading to 10 points for the Timberwolves.

While the Timberwolves set the tone defensively in the first half and held the Thunder to a 39.6% shooting percentage, Oklahoma City dominated the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 43-23 and taking control of the game.