The streaking Boston Celtics hope to stay undefeated
tonight when they invade the Twin Cities to face the struggling Minnesota
Timberwolves at Target Center.
The Celtics improved to 5-0 on the young season against long-time rival
Philadelphia on Tuesday when Paul Pierce scored a game-high 21 points and
grabbed eight rebounds, as Boston cruised to a 105-74 win over the 76ers at
the Wachovia Center.
Rasheed Wallace made 6-of-8 from three-point territory and finished with 20
points and six boards for Boston, which was coming off a 97-87 win over New
Orleans on Sunday.
The Celtics now are 5-0 for the second time in three seasons, opening the
2007-08 NBA championship campaign with eight consecutive victories.
Eddie House donated 12 against the Sixers, while Rajon Rondo and Shelden
Williams chipped in with 11 points apiece for the Celtics, who shot 56.9
percent from the field and a spectacular 70 percent (14-of-20 from three-point
range).
"It was the second unit that was the difference and it all starts with Marquis
(Daniels)," Boston head coach Doc Rivers said. "He might not be getting the
points or the threes but he's our leader out there and he seems to set
everything up for Rasheed (Wallace) and Eddie (House) with his defense and
passing ability. He has such a high basketball IQ and that really stands out
to the coaching staff."
The Wolves, meanwhile, hope to put the brakes on an early season three-game
skid.
Minnesota dropped its third straight after an opening night win in LA on
Monday when Chris Kaman scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds,
as the Los Angeles Clippers picked up their first win of the season with a
93-90 victory over the 'Wolves at Staples Center.
Ex-Celtic Al Jefferson had 24 points for the Timberwolves, who haven't found
the win column since a season-opening win over the Nets. Corey Brewer tallied
14 points, six assists, and four boards. Rookie Jonny Flynn and Oleksiy
Pecherov each had 13 points in defeat.
"I like the scrappiness of this team, especially the way they played in the
second half. They gave us a chance to win. I'm happy with the progress,"
Minnesota head coach Kurt Rambis said after the loss in LA.
Boston has won five straight over Minnesota and the last two meetings between
the clubs at Target Center.
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