Celtics keep rolling
MINNEAPOLIS – The Celtics are getting back to their blowout ways.
But they made things difficult for a half before routing the Timberwolves, 95-78, in Kevin Garnett’s homecoming game Friday night.
The Celtics (12-2) fell behind, 39-36, then nearly matched that output with a 35-10 third quarter. And, as in their 98-80 win over Detroit Thursday, the starters took the final quarter off.
Garnett (17 points) attempted to downplay his first game at the Target Center in a Celtics uniform, remained composed, and teamed up with Rajon Rondo to spark the third-quarter spurt.
“I was really worried about this game,” coach Doc Rivers said. “Not just the Kevin thing, but the amount of games we’ve played. In the first half, we couldn’t make a shot. Everything was hitting the front of the rim and we looked like we were running in mud. Our guys in the second half, they just reached out from somewhere and came out with great energy.”
The Celtics equaled a season high for points in a quarter and a season low for a half – both set in a 94-87 win over Toronto (tomorrow’s opponent) Nov. 10 at TD Banknorth Garden.
But a combination of Celtics defense and Minnesota’s offensive ineptness turned the contest into a non-contest.
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