BOSTON — Kelly Olynyk scored 21 points and the Boston Celtics showed crisp ball movement as they began the post-Rajon Rondo era with a 114-98 win over the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
One day after trading their star point guard to the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics had six players score in double figures in their third straight victory, all against teams that have combined for just 17 wins this season.
Leading 95-92 midway through the fourth quarter, the Celtics scored the next eight points and 12 of 14 to take a 107-94 lead with 3:25 remaining. They stayed ahead by at least 12 the rest of the way.
Minnesota was led by Shabazz Muhammad with 26 points and Chase Budinger with 19.
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