MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Leon Powe grabbed a rebound and scored on a layup as time expired Friday, giving Boston an 88-86 victory over Minnesota.
Kevin Garnett returned to Minnesota for the first time since being traded to the Celtics last summer. Although Garnett sat out the game with a strained abdominal muscle, Garnett was warmly received by the home crowd.
Garnett was given a standing ovation when he was introduced prior to the announcing of the starting lineups. He spent 12 seasons with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota battled Boston on even terms throughout the game before the Timberwolves' Marko Jaric missed a three-point attempt with seven seconds left.
In trying to save the ensuing rebound from going out of bounds, Minnesota's Craig Smith wound up throwing the ball right to Boston's Ray Allen.
Allen dribbled all the way to the basket and missed a layup attempt. But Powe was there to grab the loose ball and put it in.
Paul Pierce had 18 points for the Celtics, winners of four of their last five, and Powe had 16. Minnesota was led by Al Jefferson with 18.
