Nov 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) shoots a free throw against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

nba

Timberwolves extend 18-game losing streak in Boston, last win in March 2005

Celtics extend Timberwolves' Boston losing streak to 18 games

The Celtics secured a narrow 107-105 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon, extending Minnesota’s losing streak in Boston to 18 games.

Boston fended off a spirited comeback from the Timberwolves, who at one point trailed by 19 points. Rudy Gobert dominated the boards with 20 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards poured in 28 points to keep the game competitive.

The Minnesota Timberwolves' losing streak in Boston extends to 18 games 😳

They haven’t won on the road against the Celtics since March 2005 😱 pic.twitter.com/DZecfOg326
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 24, 2024

Jaylen Brown was on fire early, sinking his first five 3-point attempts. He also made the decisive defensive play in the game’s final moments, forcing Edwards into a difficult decision on his drive.

Key defensive moments seal the win

On the last possession, Edwards passed the ball to Jaden McDaniels in the corner. McDaniels then found Nas Reid at the top of the key for a potential game-winning 3-pointer. However, Reid’s shot bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded, sealing Boston’s victory.

“They ran that same play out of bounds three or four times, so I pre-switched with JT because they wanted to get me off of Ant-man,” Brown explained. “So, I pre-switched, switched right to him so I was on the ball. He’s good going to his left-hand, so I just wanted to crowd him a little bit, make it tough for him, and waste some time.”

Things that sound fake but are 100% true:

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven't won a game in Boston since March 6, 2005.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) November 24, 2024

Brown added, “If he did go up to score, I was going to be able to challenge it at the time. He kicked it out. I’m not sure if Reid got it off, but it was a good defensive possession.”

A streak dating back to 2005

The Timberwolves haven’t won in Boston since March 6, 2005. That victory was led by Kevin Garnett, who posted an impressive stat line with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, falling just shy of a triple-double. Garnett, who later won a championship with Boston, was instrumental in that game. On the other side, Ricky Davis led the Celtics with 22 points.

Interestingly, Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell was playing for the Timberwolves during that season, and Celtics legend Kevin McHale served as Minnesota’s head coach.

The second longest road city losing streak in the NBA lives on. The last time the Minnesota Timberwolves won in Boston..

– Anthony Edwards was 3 years old
– Reggie Miller was still in the league
– LeBron James had no playoff experience
— Automatic (@automaticnba) November 24, 2024

Since then, the Celtics have repeatedly edged out the Timberwolves at TD Garden in tightly contested games. Notable matchups include an overtime thriller last January and another close game in April 2021. Four of the last five contests between these teams in Boston have been decided by 12 points or fewer.

The Timberwolves managed to defeat the Celtics during their last meeting in Minnesota in November. The two teams are set to clash again at the Target Center on January 2. Will Minnesota finally break the curse in Boston next season? Time will tell.

Image: © Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics

Minnesota Timberwolves

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.