THE Celtics came up with a huge third quarter to take control and held on to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-104, on Wednesday in Boston (Thursday, Manila time).
Isaiah Thomas showed the way, as usual, as the Celtics overpowered the Timberwolves, 27-17, in the third to carry an eight-point lead into the fourth.
The Celtics made it two straight wins after downing the Chicago Bulls, notching their 43rd victory in 68 outings.
Thomas had 27 points on 8 of 15 shooting, while Al Horford scored 20, pulled down nine rebounds and issued eight assists.
The Timberwolves could not get a win going after beating the Washington Wizards, absorbing their 39th loss in 67 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns posted his 51st double-double of the season with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Ricky Rubio led the Wizards in scoring with 23 points, while Andrew Wiggins and Shabazz Muhammad had 21 apiece.