Wednesday at Target Center, against the Boston Celtics — one of the better teams in the league — the Timberwolves played some very good defense. They took nice care of the ball. They outshot the efficient Celtics.
And they lost, 104-102.
In a game that had the Wolves — and their fans — thinking they were playing against both the Celtics and the officials — Boston made just enough shots, made a few more free throws and got a 35-point game from Jaylen Brown.
Down as many as 14, the Wolves (35-35) got within two points twice late in the game, but couldn't get over the hump.