Timberwolves Snap 18-Game Boston Drought, Hyland and McDaniels Shine

Minnesota's upset victory over the Celtics is more than just a game, exposing the fragility of confidence and the power of narrative in the NBA.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, with the players' movements and the intensity of the game captured through sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Timberwolves' stunning upset over the Celtics showcases the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and challenge the league's elite.Boston Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning 102-92 victory over the Boston Celtics, snapping an 18-game losing streak at TD Garden. This win was more than just a statistical anomaly, as it represented a psychological breakthrough for the Timberwolves, who have long struggled against the Celtics. The team's performance without star guard Anthony Edwards, and the Celtics' second-half collapse, highlighted the importance of collective effort and the fragility of confidence in high-pressure situations.

Why it matters

This game is a reminder that the NBA is far from predictable, and that underdogs always have a chance. The Timberwolves' win is a statement that they are capable of competing with the league's elite, while the Celtics' loss highlights the thin line between dominance and vulnerability. This game is a preview of the playoff intensity to come, as it shows that every team has weaknesses and every underdog has a chance.

The details

The Timberwolves achieved this victory without their star guard, Anthony Edwards, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. This absence forced the team to rely on collective effort, with Jaden McDaniels stepping up with 19 points and Ayo Dosunmu's all-around performance. Meanwhile, the Celtics' collapse in the second half, particularly after squandering a 15-point lead, was a testament to the fragility of confidence in high-pressure situations. Naz Reid's clutch 16-0 run in the fourth quarter was a microcosm of the Timberwolves' season, showcasing their potential to deliver in the most crucial moments.

  • The Timberwolves' last win in Boston was in 2005, when Bones Hyland was just 5 years old.
  • The Celtics' four-game winning streak was snapped with this loss, and they are now just a half-game ahead of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Jaden McDaniels

A Timberwolves player who stepped up with 19 points in the team's upset victory over the Celtics.

Ayo Dosunmu

A Timberwolves player who delivered an all-around performance in the team's win over the Celtics.

Naz Reid

A Timberwolves player whose clutch 16-0 run in the fourth quarter was a microcosm of the team's potential to deliver in crucial moments.

Jayson Tatum

A Celtics player who had a slow start, scoreless in the first half, highlighting that even the best players have off nights.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star guard who was sidelined with a knee injury, forcing the team to rely on collective effort and leading to a breakthrough performance.

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What’s next

The Timberwolves will host the Houston Rockets in their next game, while the Celtics will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The takeaway

This game is a reminder that the NBA is far from predictable, and that underdogs always have a chance. The Timberwolves' win is a statement that they are capable of competing with the league's elite, while the Celtics' loss highlights the fragility of confidence in high-pressure situations. This game is a preview of the playoff intensity to come, as it shows that every team has weaknesses and every underdog has a chance.