By GREG MENGELT

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter and defeated Romeo Langford and the Boston Celtics 108-103 on Tuesday night at the Target Center.

The Celtics are now 16-18 on the season, while the Timberwolves improve to 16-17.

Langford, a former New Albany and Indiana University star, started for the third straight game — and fourth time this season — and contributed 6 points, 4 steals, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 blocked shots, including two on one possession — in the loss. His 4 steals, 3 assists and 3 blocked shots were all season bests.

Langford played 36 minutes and was 2 for 9 from the field, missed all four of his 3-point shots and went 2 for 4 at the foul line.

Langford’s first two baskets — on a dunk and a tip-in — helped get the Celtics off to an 11-2 lead. With Minnesota leading 93-84 with 5:27 left, Langford hit a pair of free throws to narrow the margin to 7 points.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points but was just 8 for 24 from the floor. Rookie Payton Pritchard added 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for Boston, which was playing without Jayson Tatum, Jason Richardson, Dennis Schroder, Marcus Smart and Enes Freedom.

Minnesota’s Jaylen Nowell led all scorers with 29 points. The third-year pro, who has played 75 career games, came in to the contest averaging 5 points per game.

The Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers (17-17) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. L.A. has lost six of its last seven.