Minnesota Timberwolves Team Report - March 8

(Basketball News) - The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their second straight game on Sunday, falling 80-77 to the Boston Celtics at the Target Center.

Kevin Garnett poured in a game-high 20 points and ripped down 14 boards, as the Timberwolves lost their third game in their last four tries. Michael Olowokandi also posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Sam Cassell chipped in 13 points.

Trenton Hassell hit a baseline jumper with 10:13 remaining in the game to give Minnesota a 64-56 advantage. But the Celtics reeled off an 11-0 run over the next 4:16 to go on top by three.

Garnett followed by tipping in a miss on the next possession to put an end to Boston’s burst, and the two teams traded baskets the rest of the way.

Trailing by four, Troy Hudson drained a three from the baseline with just two ticks left on the clock to make it a one-point game. Paul Pierce was immediately fouled on the inbounds pass and made both free throws to make it 80-77 with 1.6 seconds remaining.

After a timeout, Minnesota ran a set play for Cassell, but his three-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer caromed off to the left.

Minnesota, which is 2 1/2 games back of the Sacramento Kings for the top spot in the Western Conference, will hit the road for a pair of games beginning on Tuesday in Seattle. The T-Wolves have won three of four and eight of their last 12 on the road and are 20-10 away from home this season.

The Timberwolves have split their two meetings with the Sonics this season and could be at a disadvantage on Tuesday, as the home team in this series has won 10 of the last 12 meetings. Minnesota has also lost eight of its last 10 in Seattle.