=== Boston Celtics Team Report - December 16 === (My Sportsbook) - The Boston Celtics were blown out at home on Monday, as they lost 116-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Paul Pierce recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists for the Celtics, who had their five-game winning streak came to an end. Pierce also grabbed nine rebounds. Reserve forward Walter McCarty led Boston with 17 points, as the Celtics played with a limited bench due to the departures of Eric Williams, Tony Battie and Kedrick Brown in a trade to Cleveland. In exchange, the Celtics acquired Ricky Davis, Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart and a second-round pick. Boston went on a 5-0 run to open the second half to only trail by two at 57-55, but the Timberwolves answered with an 8-0 spurt. Minnesota led by double-digits the rest of the quarter and held an 87-69 lead at the end of the three. The Timberwolves led by as many as 22 points for the entire fourth quarter, as the Celtics were never able to make a late run. Boston retired legendary Celtic Cedric Maxwell's No. 31 at halftime. Maxwell's number was the 22nd Celtic number that has been raised to the rafters. The Celtics are off until Wednesday when they host Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. |
