Kyrie Irving returned from a one-game absence to help Boston fend off Minnesota, putting up 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to pace the Celtics in a 117-109 win over the Timberwolves.

Al Horford added 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and tough defense on Karl-Anthony Towns for the Celtics, who stayed two games behind Toronto in the Eastern Conference race with their sixth win in the last seven games. Nemanja Bjelica scored a career-high 30 points for the Timberwolves.

Derrick Rose has signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the remainder of the season. The move reunites Rose and Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau, who were together in Chicago. Rose appeared in only 16 games for Cleveland earlier this season, before being traded to Utah and then let go.