Celtics clinch playoff spot following win vs. Timberwolves

The Boston Celtics became the second team to clinch a playoff berth this season following their 117-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Boston punched its ticket just 24 hours after the East-leading Toronto Raptors secured their plans with a victory over the ninth-seeded Detroit Pistons.

The All-Star duo of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford led the way Thursday as they have all season. Irving had 23 points while drilling a smattering of jumpers in the fourth quarter, while Horford was steady throughout and finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists against the T-Wolves.

The Celtics have exceeded expectations this season after losing Gordon Hayward to a grotesque injury in their season opener. Head coach Brad Stevens not only built an instant chemistry with a roster that only returned four players from last year, but he also overcame Hayward's sudden absence by successfully thrusting more responsibility upon rookie forward Jayson Tatum and sophomore forward Jaylen Brown.