Celtics 96, Timberwolves 93
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.