The Minnesota Timberwolves will play the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, bringing the two NBA teams with the greatest records together.
With a 28-8 record, Boston leads the league in scoring. On Monday, the team lost to Indiana 133-131 in a contentious game. With 3.2 seconds remaining, a shot that may have snapped a 131-131 tie seemed to strike Boston’s Jaylen Brown in the head. Buddy Hield was given a foul call, but the Pacers contested it, and it was thrown out.
On the next possession, Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin scored two free throws, and the Pacers managed to hold on for the win.
“We should have the right to be angry,” Brown remarked. “The league ought to be aware of this. It goes without saying that we will discuss it after the game. Thus, in my opinion, there shouldn’t be any penalty. However, I really believe that one needs to be looked into.”
In the defeat, Brown scored 40 points, a season best.
The Timberwolves (26–10), who lead the Western Conference and have the second-best record in the league, will play their second game in as many nights. On Tuesday, Minnesota defeated Orlando 113-92, leading from start to finish.
For the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points.
Coach Chris Finch stated, “I’m a big believer that guys shoot better for sure when the ball moves.” “And you witnessed that (against Orlando). We have a proficient shooting group. Some of our players are streaky, but they usually shoot better as the ball moves. Once more, I believe it’s utilizing what the game offers. It’s encouraging to see them enter, but I believe it’s because the lads are willing to pass the ball to one another.”
The Magic were only able to shoot 36.2% (34 of 94) from the field because to the Timberwolves’ defense. Just 37 points were scored by Orlando in the first half.
Gobert stated, “We truly wanted to enter the game and establish a defensive posture. “Move the ball aggressively and offensively. Throughout the most of the game, I thought we performed admirably.
“The game (against the Celtics) is important. We have a fantastic chance to put ourselves to the test against a top team.”
This season’s second encounter between the Timberwolves and Celtics is scheduled for Wednesday. On November 6, Minnesota defeated the Jazz 114-109 at home in overtime thanks to 38 points from Anthony Edwards. With 32 points, Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined for Monday’s loss due to an ankle injury, led Boston.
The first encounter between the two teams included 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists from Jrue Holiday. Holiday, who is averaging 13.1 points per game this season, is the Celtics’ player who, according to Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis, sacrifices scoring the most for the team.
“I’m not mad at the sacrifices that I have to make because even though I might be making the biggest one, as KP says, everybody makes them,” Holiday stated. “You have Derrick White, who is performing at a superhuman caliber. The list of people who have sacrificed continues, including Al (Horford), who I believe has done just as much as I have. Because of what I believe is being seen, we have a 28-8 record.”