The Timberwolves faced numerous challenges before their game against the Boston Celtics, making the already difficult matchup even tougher. Due to inclement weather, the team had to stay in Florida after their previous game against the Orlando Magic. They had to fly out on the same day to face the Celtics, who are currently leading the NBA. In addition, the Wolves had to play without two of their starters, Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert, who were ruled out prior to the game.

 

Despite the unfavorable circumstances, the short-handed Timberwolves put up a strong fight against the Celtics. However, they couldn’t maintain their late lead, and the Celtics ultimately secured a 127-120 overtime victory. In the overtime period, Jayson Tatum stepped up for the Celtics, scoring 12 of his 45 total points to help secure the win. His teammate, Jaylen Brown, contributed 35 points and 11 rebounds, proving to be a dominant force throughout the game.

 

During the fourth quarter, the Wolves held a slim lead of 109-108, but the Celtics found Derrick White open in the right corner, who sank a crucial three-pointer to give Boston a 111-109 advantage with 25.3 seconds remaining. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both free throws to tie the game at 111-111 with 8.5 seconds left in regulation.

In the final seconds, Tatum attempted a shot that nearly went in but rolled off the rim, leading to overtime.

 

Kristaps Porzingis was absent from the Celtics’ lineup due to a right knee contusion. The Timberwolves started Kyle Anderson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in place of the injured Conley and Gobert. Anderson contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Alexander-Walker scored 15 points. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Naz Reid added 19 points and 10 boards.

 

Despite the balanced effort and valiant performance by the Wolves, playing on short rest and missing key players, the Celtics, representing the best of the Eastern Conference, emerged victorious over the best team from the Western Conference in this thrilling showdown.