Paul Pierce-led Nets pummel Timberwolves for franchise record-tying 13th straight home victory

Paul Pierce hits one of his five 3-pointers over Kevin Love. (Andrew Theodorakis/ NY Daily News)

Paul Pierce scored a game-high 22 points as the Brooklyn Nets thrashed the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-99 on Sunday night at Barclays Center for their franchise record-tying 13th straight home victory.

For the second consecutive game, Pierce had a flawless first quarter shooting performance. Pierce registered 16 points in the opening period, just two nights after recording 17 in the first quarter of the Nets’ victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. In his past two opening quarters combined, he is a perfect 10-for-10 from the field, including 8-for-8 from three-point territory, as well as 5-for-5 from the free throw line in 17 minutes played. This is the first time in Pierce’s storied career that he has totaled at least 16 points in back-to-back first quarters.

As Pierce continues to dominate, his confidence in his team’s ability to make some noise in the upcoming postseason has risen as well.

"Wherever we end up in the seedings, bring 'em on,” Pierce said.

Foul trouble limited Pierce to just 26 minutes of action, but the Nets were able to feed off his hot start with an all-around team effort.

Joe Johnson chipped in 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, while Shaun Livingston and Mason Plumlee added 13 points apiece in the win. Plumlee continues to shine in the absence of Kevin Garnett, who has missed 16 straight games due to back spasms. Garnett is targeting Friday versus the Detroit Pistons for his return to the court. The Nets have won 12 of 16 with Garnett sidelined.

The Nets’ bench had another solid outing, outscoring the Wolves’ reserves 41-23. Andray Blatche led the Nets’ backups in scoring with 14, corralling six rebounds in the win. Alan Anderson drained three treys in a 13-point showing, adding five rebounds as well.

The Nets boast one of the deepest rosters in the league, a reason why the club was able to turn their season around after a dismal 10-21 start to the season.

"I think a lot of teams with bad character, bad leadership in the locker room would've laid down a long time ago. Probably by Christmas would've been making summer plans," Pierce said. "But not this group."