Since the return of Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics have managed quite well for the most part. They lost to Oklahoma City and San Antonio, but there wasn't much to be discouraged about from those games because they gave those teams all they got.
But then their game against Minnesota happened, where Boston was flat-out outclassed in one of their worst quarters of the season. The Timberwolves had a 26-15 scoring edge on the Celtics in the game's final quarter, but six of those 15 came when the Celtics waved the white flag. Impressive outing from Minnesota, so props to them, especially since they were without Anthony Edwards.
The Celtics should be very frustrated with themselves for the egg they laid in that fourth quarter. Edwards' absence only makes it worse, but at the same time, they now know how it feels to be their opponents because the Timberwolves just did to them what the Celtics have been doing to their opponents all season.
Boston has beaten opponents without Tatum for almost the entire season. In fact, they've even blown out some quality opponents without Tatum this season, so for once, the tides were turned. It feels great to have victories like those, but by extension, it also hurts like hell when suffering losses like that.
Celtics lost season series to Timberwolves
By losing to Minnesota in Boston (the first time the Timberwolves have accomplished a feat since 2005), the Celtics lost both of their matchips against the Timberwolves. This could be a problem if the Celtics and Timberwolves were to meet up in the NBA Finals.
Granted, both teams will have to fight to get to that level, but it's indicative of a potential matchup problem for Boston. Something the Celtics have valiantly fought through this year is having their frontcourt lineup feature primarily Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Even though this hasn't been exploited, the Timberwolves are unfortunately one of the few teams that can take advantage of that.
Tonight, the Celtics lost not necessarily because their frontcourt was overmatched, but the Timberwolves knew how to nullify both Queta and Garza. Add that to Bones Hyland having yet another fantastic performance against Boston, and Minnesota pulled ahead with relative ease in the fourth quarter.
Nikola Vucevic's impending return along with Jayson Tatum getting more up to speed as time passes should help Boston if they are to face Minnesota in the NBA Finals regardless of the likelihood. But it's fair to say that the Timberwolves are a team built to give them trouble.