Seven Celtics scored in double digits and the C's 25-point lead at halftime was too much for the Timberwolves to overcome, as the C's got comfortably back in the win column.
Celtics 122, Timberwolves 104
TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Dec. 20, 2009
Headliner: Paul Pierce paced the offense for the Celtics with 29 points in 34-plus minutes of play. Pierce was 8-for-14 from the field, 6-for-6 from behind the arc and 7-for-7 from the line for his highest point total since putting up 33 against the Knicks on Nov. 22. Pierce also chipped in with seven rebounds and four assists in the win.
Unsung hero: Rajon Rondo recorded his sixth double-double in nine games in December. Rondo scored 13 points and had 15 assists to keep up his impressive play over the last month. Rondo committed just three turnovers in the game, and balanced them off with three steals.
Scrub: The Timberwolves didn't have a problem scoring against the first-place Celtics at the Garden, but they had a hard time coming up with stops. The Timberwolves allowed 100-plus points for the fifth time in six games, allowing the Celtics to build a double-digit lead early. Minnesota fell to 5-23 with the loss in Boston, as once again their defense failed them against a team with more talent.
Turning Point: The Celtics came out on fire in the first quarter against the Timberwolves and never let up. The Celtics torched the Timberwolves for 34 points in the opening 12 minutes to take a 34-19 lead into the second quarter. The C's were able to add to their 15-point lead with another 32 points in the second quarter, and the game was virtually over at halftime with the Celtics leading 66-41.
Up Next: The Celtics will play the Pacers on Tuesday to wrap up their three-game homestand before heading south for a Christmas matinee. The C's will meet the Magic on Christmas Day in Orlando in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals. In their only other meeting this year, the Celtics fell 83-78.
