BOSTON – The Minnesota Timberwolves ended a remarkable 25-year drought in Boston on Sunday night, defeating the Boston Celtics 102-92 in a game that saw a dominant fourth quarter performance from the visitors. The win snapped an 18-game losing streak for Minnesota at TD Garden, a testament to the Timberwolves’ resilience and the Celtics’ struggles down the stretch.
Bones Hyland led the Timberwolves with 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 19 and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Rudy Gobert anchored the defense, pulling down 14 rebounds and adding nine points for Minnesota. The Timberwolves’ victory was particularly impressive considering the absence of star guard Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined with right knee inflammation.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown put up 29 points in a losing effort. Jayson Tatum overcame a scoreless first half to finish with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Derrick White chipped in with 15 points. However, a cold shooting start to the fourth quarter ultimately doomed Boston, as they missed their first 12 shots of the final frame.
Celtics’ Fourth-Quarter Struggles Prove Decisive
The game remained competitive for three quarters, but the Timberwolves seized control in the fourth. Minnesota outscored Boston 29-15 in the final period, fueled by a 16-0 run sparked by Naz Reid, who scored eight points during the surge after returning from a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. Hyland’s three-pointer with 9:05 remaining gave Minnesota the lead for good, and they never looked back.
“Dang, that don’t even sound right,” Hyland said, reflecting on the significance of breaking the 25-year losing streak in Boston, as reported by ESPN. “I was 5-years-old. That’s crazy.”
Boston’s offensive woes in the fourth quarter were particularly glaring. After a promising start to the game, the Celtics faltered, unable to find any rhythm against a determined Timberwolves defense. The loss snapped Boston’s four-game winning streak and leaves them just a half-game ahead of the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Hugo González Celebrates Real Madrid’s Victory
While the Celtics suffered a defeat on the court, rookie Hugo González showed his support for his favorite basketball team off it. González arrived at the game wearing a Real Madrid sweatshirt to celebrate their dominant 76-95 victory over FC Barcelona in the ACB Clásico. The Celtics’ social media team captured the moment, posting a photo of González in the sweatshirt with the caption “¡Vamos Real Madrid!”
González played 14 minutes in the game, recording three rebounds, one assist, and one block, but was unable to score. He had recently scored 5 points in 15 minutes against the Grizzlies, following three games where he remained scoreless.
Shulga Records First NBA Points
In a bright spot for the Celtics, Ukrainian guard Max Shulga recorded his first NBA points. The former Colegio Leonés player, drafted by Boston with the 57th pick in 2025, scored four points in two minutes of action, going 1-for-1 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Shulga, who spent his formative basketball years in León, Spain, provided a spark off the bench for Boston.
Shulga’s journey to the NBA is a compelling story. He was raised in León since the age of 11 and honed his skills playing for Torrelodones (Madrid) until he was 18. His debut points represent a significant milestone in his young career.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics will look to rebound from this loss as they continue their push for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is scheduled for [insert next Celtics game date and opponent here – information not provided in sources]. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will aim to build on this impressive road victory as they continue their pursuit of a higher seed in the Western Conference. [insert next Timberwolves game date and opponent here – information not provided in sources].
This game served as a reminder of the competitive balance in the NBA, where any team can be beaten on any given night. The Timberwolves’ historic win in Boston is a testament to their growth and determination, while the Celtics will need to regroup and rediscover their form as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
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