BOSTON, Mass. -- Minnesota got within three points late, but the Boston Celtics went on a scoring run that led to a 114-98 loss for the Timberwolves.

The Celtics, who traded star point gaurd Rajon Rondo on Thursday, did not seem to miss a beat offensively - shooting over 56 percent from the floor.

The Wolves stuck with Boston, trailing by just five at the half and by six at the beginning of the final quarter before the Celtics took off.

Shabazz Muhammad got the start at small forward after the Timberwolves traded Corey Brewer hours earlier.

Muhammad responded by leading all scorers with 26 points, and added five rebounds and five assists.

Chase Budinger provided scoring off the bench - finishing with 19 points while hitting three of his five three-point attempts.

A layup by Thaddeus Young cut Boston's lead to 95-92 midway through the fourth quarter, but the Celtics responded with a 12-2 run.

The Timberwolves were unable to stop Boston all game long as six Celtics finished in double figures - highlighted by center Kelly Olynyk's 21 off the bench.

The loss marks the fourth in a row for the Wolves and their 10th in the past 11 games, dropping their record to 5-20 on the season.

Minnesota will try to end the skid when they host the Indiana Pacers tomorrow night.

 

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