Celtics rally to fend off ‘Wolves

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

GoLocalProv Sports Team

Kevin Garnett’s absence doesn’t seem so bad with Rajon Rondo back on the floor.

Starting for the second time since returning from an ankle injury this past weekend, Rondo finished with 16 assists Monday and hit two key baskets down the stretch as the Celtics rallied to beat Minnesota, 96-93, at the TD Garden.

Boston lost back-to-back games last week for the first time since November due in large part to a calf injury suffered by Garnett, who got hurt in the first of the two losses and then sat out Friday’s loss to New Orleans.

Rondo returned Sunday to spark a big win over Toronto and was back at it again last night, piloting Boston (26-7) to its second consecutive win. The ‘Wolves (9-26) led by as many as 10 points in the third quarter before the Celtics stormed back. Paul Pierce scored 11 consecutive points to cut the deficit in half and Shaquille O’Neal put Boston ahead in the fourth on a jumper under the basket.

The lead continued to change hands until Rondo scored with 1:35 remaining to give Boston a 90-89 lead. A pair of free throws by Glen Davis made it a three-point game. Minnesota pulled to within a point on two separate occasions, but could not score the go-ahead basket. Rondo scored again during that stretch to keep the ‘Wolves from regaining the lead.

Pierce led the Celtics with 23 points despite missing his first four shots. Ray Allen finished with 20 points and Davis finished with 17 in his second consecutive start in place of Garnett. Kevin Love led Minnesota with 12 points and 24 rebounds. The Celtics will return to action Wednesday at home against San Antonio.