Celtics Survive a Scare in Minnesota

The Celtics gave everything they had tonight against a young, quick, and confident Timberwolves squad that stepped up to the plate. The C's squeeked out the victory 92-90, which was capped off by an amazing defensive stand to finish off the game. With 3.6 seconds left T-Wolve Corey Brewer drove to the hoop when Kevin Garnett corralled him and forced a jump ball. The ensuing jump-ball resulted in Brewer slapping it from KG, but it landed near Rondo who keenly through it down the court to waist valuable seconds. There was .9 left on the clock when the Wolves threw up a prayer that didn't end anywhere near the hoop.

• Rajon Rondo (18) led the Celtics in scoring tonight for the first time this season. He found most of his opportunities on fast breaks and around the basket as his experimental jumpshot continues to be suspect. RR added 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and just two turnovers.
  
• Ray Allen hit just 1 of 7 threes tonight, but was 5-6 otherwise. He added 5 assists, and it is nice to see him differing with his inconsistent shot lately.
• Pierce had an off night tonight with just 10 points (3-12 FGs) and 5 assists in a team high 41 minutes. He's been consistent this season, so we'll give him a pass.
• KG's defense won the game at the end while adding 12 points, 11 boards, and 3 blocks in his homecoming to Minnesota. It would be nice to see Garnett hit those 17-18 foot jumpers, but we'll take this line.
• Perk had 13 points (6-7 shooting), 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He did struggle to guard Big Al Jefferson in the first quarter, but he did better as the game progressed.
• Sheed and House, the three point duo, each hit two threes tonight. Sheed finished with 7 points, 5 boards and a technical, and House had 6 points and 2 steals.
• Marquis Daniels continues to orchestrate the second unit finishing with 6 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He seems to be embracing the ball-handling role and knows where to find the three point specialists. He only hit 2-6 free throws.
• Sheldon Williams had 6 points and not much else tonight.
• Scalabrine played a bit in the second quarter when Doc Rivers instilled a lineup that featured none of the starting 5. To this point in the season he has been keeping Pierce or Allen on the floor, but in the first half Doc got Paul and Ray a bit of extra rest.
• The C's could have helped themselves out tonight as they hit just 5-19 from three point range and 13-19 FTs.
• The D allowed the T-Wolves to shoot 52% tonight. Something the team will have to review and correct in film.

The C's have a night off tomorrow night before they host the 4-1 Suns who are coming off a 22 point loss to the Magic.