The Boston Celtics defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-117, at Target Center on Friday evening.

The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Celtics held on to a four-point lead after one quarter. They built some momentum and pushed their lead to 10, early in the second, and held on through the quarter, to take an eight-point lead into halftime. The Timberwolves came out strong in the third and cut it to a two-point game, mid way though the quarter, but the Celtics responded and quickly regained control, taking a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves did not back down and cut it back to a one-point game early in the fourth, but the Celtics had the answer once again, as they pulled ahead and held on for their second straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Timberwolves.

Gordon Hayward led the Celtics with 29 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals, in 37 minutes. Jayson Tatum added 28 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Daniel Theis added 25 points, 16 rebounds and a block. The Celtics shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.

Meanwhile, Malik Beasley led the Timberwolves with 27 points, four rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. D'Angelo Russell added 18 points, 13 assists and six rebounds, while Naz Reid finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from deep.

The Timberwolves (16-38 will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday. The Celtics (39-16) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday.