The Minnesota Timberwolves (8-37) used a combination of scoring balance and timely bench play in order to take care of the Boston Celtics (16-28) on Wednesday night, 110-98. 

After missing the past 34 games due to injury, Minnesota’s Kevin Martin poured in a game-high 21 points off the bench and provided an offensive spark opposite of the rookie phenom Andrew Wiggins. Although Wiggin’s 12 points on the night may seem a bit pedestrian, especially after averaging nearly 20 points per game in the month of January, it was the balanced scoring attack that led to the Wolves’ much needed victory at home.

All five starters scored in double-figures for Minnesota, including the 19-year-old rookie and dunk contest participant, Zach LaVine. The high flying UCLA product flashed us a preview of his athleticism and finished the night with 17 points, 13 of which came in the third quarter. He also chipped in six assists and came away with three steals in total. 

Not to be outdone was fellow youngster and Rising Star Challenge selectee, Gorgui Dieng. The second year big man filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks and looked comfortable with his role alongside a relatively healthy Nikola Pekovic. Other notable contributors for Minnesota included Thaddeus Young, who was just shy of a double-double at 12 points and nine rebounds, and the new addition from the D-league, Lorenzo Brown. In his first game off the bench, Brown showed no signs of jitters and finished with 11 points, three assists, and a nasty ankle breaking crossover on a Boston defender. With injuries mounting at the point guard position, Brown should see significant playing time until the return of Mo Williams and Ricky Rubio. 

Boston also showed balance by getting double-digit scoring efforts from seven different players. The Celtics were led by Jared Sullinger’s 16-point performance, but also received 12 points or more from Marcus Thornton (15), Avery Bradley (13), Tayshaun Prince (12), and Marcus Smart (12). The Celtics shot a respectable 46 percent from the floor but failed to find ways to score outside of their half court set. 

Boston’s inability to reach the free-throw line may have been the deciding factor between two teams who otherwise posted similar box score numbers. Minnesota connected on 28 of their 32 free throw attempts, while the Celtics only attempted nine. Boston's lack of energy at the tail end of their six-game road trip may have led to the statistical imbalance from the charity stripe. After leading the game at halftime, 49-48, Boston looked to run out of gas in the third and fourth quarters. Minnesota's 62 second half points and 56.3 percent shooting from the field was evidence of such fatigue. 

With the loss, the Celtics will head back to Boston and enjoy a much needed day off before a home matchup with the soaring Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The Timberwolves have a date with the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday night, as the NBA's two worst teams square off in a battle for lottery balls.