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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Maybe the Minnesota Timberwolves are a
second-half team.
The Wolves held the Phoenix Suns to 38 points in the second half
of an 82-73 victory Tuesday for their fourth straight victory. Once
again, they are playing their best basketball going into the second
half of the season.
The Suns' 73 points tied the second-lowest total in the
organization's 33-year history. They were held to 68 points by the
Kansas City Kings in 1981.
"We're a funny team," Wolves coach Flip Saunders said. "We've
found that we are always a team that struggles until January, and
then we pick it up and are more consistent. We've done that the
last three years now."
Terrell Brandon led the Wolves with 26 points but was more eager
to talk about his teammates' defensive effort. The Wolves held the
Suns, who were playing their third game in a row without Jason
Kidd, to 38.8 percent shooting.
Kevin Garnett, who has a history of tough nights against the
Suns' Cliff Robinson, made only 6 of 17 shots while scoring 14
points and grabbing 14 rebounds. In return, he made life equally
tough on Robinson.
Robinson made only 3 of 14 shots and finished with 6 points.
"Those two just battle every time they play against each
other," Brandon said.
"K.G. can be the best shot-blocker in the league, because he
has those Theo Ratliff-like arms," Timberwolves forward Wally
Szczerbiak said. "He brings a lot even when he's not shooting
well."
Saunders said the Wolves were impaired defensive because the
first half of their season included 11 back-to-back games, which
made preparation difficult.
"We're a preparation team," Saunders said. "We've always been
that. You give us time to prepare, we're going to be pretty good."
The Suns, who trailed 57-52 going into the fourth quarter, tied
the game at 67-67 on Rodney Rogers' 3-pointer with 5:19 remaining.
The Timberwolves took the lead for good, 72-71, on a jump shot by
Brandon with 3:19 left.
The loss was the Suns' third in a row without Kidd, who is
skipping their six-game road trip to mend his relationship with his
wife. Kidd was arrested last week on a misdemeanor assault charge
accusing him of hitting her at their suburban Phoenix home. The
Suns also were without Tom Gugliotta, who missed his third
consecutive game because of a family emergency, and Anfernee
Hardaway, who is on the injured list because of a knee injury.
The Suns were led by Shawn Marion, who had 14 points and 12
rebounds.
The Timberwolves were outscored 14-2 in the final six minutes of
the first quarter, which ended with the Suns leading 21-13. That
was the Wolves' fewest points in a first period this season.
Game notes
The Wolves' Chauncey Billups missed his third game because
of a sprained ankle. ... The Wolves (25-18) improved to seven games
over .500 for first time this season. ... Former Minnesota Twins
baseball star Kirby Puckett was given a standing ovation in his
first trip to the Target Center since being voted into baseball's
Hall of Fame.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Phoenix Clubhouse
Minnesota Clubhouse
RECAPS
Boston 83
Atlanta 82
Washington 97
Charlotte 95
Orlando 116
Toronto 111
Philadelphia 114
Dallas 98
Milwaukee 105
New York 91
Minnesota 82
Phoenix 73
Seattle 91
LA Lakers 80
Portland 104
Chicago 100
San Antonio 110
Vancouver 77
Denver 105
Houston 100
Utah 100
Golden State 78
Sacramento 130
New Jersey 104
FROM
ATHLETESDIRECT
Kevin Garnett Official Site
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