Al Jefferson scored 23 points for the Timberwolves. But he shot just 8 of 20 and the Timberwolves were shooting a jaw-dropping 23 percent heading into the fourth quarter before finishing at 31 percent.

The Celtics outscored Minnesota, 35-10, in the decisive third quarter, with Garnett putting away two alley-oop passes and throwing down two more dunks to the delight of hundreds of fans wearing his No. 5 Celtics jersey and still more sporting his old blue No. 21.

Garnett was injured in Boston's only game in Minneapolis last season. That kept him from playing in the arena he called home for 12 brilliant seasons.

He was fully healthy this time around -- and carrying a little extra bling with him. The Celtics captured that long-sought NBA title for Garnett in his first season in Boston, giving him a big, shiny ring to match the huge diamond studs he wears in his ears.

Garnett shot 8 of 12 and did all the little things he excelled at in his beloved Minnesota.

In the middle of the 11-0 run that closed out the third period, Garnett delivered a teeth-rattling pick on Timberwolves guard Randy Foye, then swatted away a jumper by Sebastian Telfair.

Still searching for an identity in the post-KG Era, Minnesota made only two field goals in the period and fell to 2-9 on the season.

There were plenty of empty seats in the house, perhaps the most concrete sign yet that Minnesota has finally come to grips that the only pro Basketball star this generation of fans has known is gone and not coming back.

Stone-faced, Garnett went through his warm-ups as if it were any other game in any other venue, with that trademark intensity smoldering from the moment he stepped on the court.

He was introduced first and received a standing ovation, but nothing compared to the thunderous welcome he got in his first game back in this building in February, though he did not play with an abdominal injury.

After the Celtics dismantled Allen Iverson and the Pistons Thursday night, Garnett said this would be "just another game." But Boston coach Doc Rivers wasn't buying that for one second.

"Obviously this one is special," Rivers said before the game. "His job is to try to stay as focused as possible for a game, but clearly this is special for him. He knows that. We all know that."

Other games

* Rockets 103, Wizards 91: Tracy McGrady scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Yao Ming added 18 and visiting Houston added to the misery in Washington (1-9).

* Nets 129, Raptors 127: Vince Carter scored 39 points against his former team, and visiting New Jersey rallied from an 18-point, third-quarter deficit to beat Toronto in overtime.

* Hawks 88, Bobcats 83: Joe Johnson scored 30 points, Marvin Williams added 22 and host Atlanta pulled away in the closing minutes against Charlotte.

* Magic 100, Pacers 98: Dwight Howard had 24 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks, and visiting Orlando beat Indiana in overtime.

* 76ers 89, Clippers 88: Elton Brand hit a 15-footer with 57 seconds left and finished with 17 points in his first game against Los Angeles, leading host Philadelphia to a win.

Note

* The Knicks traded Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford in separate deals, parting with their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010. Crawford was sent to the Warriors for forward Al Harrington. Hours later, Randolph was shipped to the Clippers along with reserve guard Mardy Collins for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.

* Standings, Page C-9