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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Timberwolves' 11th straight
victory was the most impressive of their streak.
Kevin Garnett matched his career high with 40 points and the
Timberwolves used a record-setting first quarter to fuel a 117-88
victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night,
|  | | Wally Szczerbiak heads upcourt with his own rebound with Chris Webber trailing. The Wolves outscored the Kings 41-10 in the first quarter en route to their 11th win in a row. |
Minnesota's winning streak is the longest in the NBA this
season, surpassing 10-game streaks by the Philadelphia 76ers and
Portland Trail Blazers.
"You still know the league is tough and you could lose 11 games
in a row," Minnesota's Anthony Peeler said. "I think we can still
make improvements. We're on a roll, but we can do a better job
defensively against some teams."
Garnett scored 17 of his points during the first quarter as the
Timberwolves went on an 18-point run and outscored the Kings 41-10.
They tied team records for most points scored and fewest points
allowed in a first quarter.
"I've never seen a start like that," Wolves coach Flip
Saunders said.
"When someone scores 41 in the first quarter against you, you
must look at yourself and say it's too bad, it's embarrassing,"
Kings center Vlade Divac said.
Garnett dominated Chris Webber in a matchup of All-Star power
forwards, making 17 of 22 shots. He scored his 40 points in 34
minutes, matching his career best set last season. Webber, who
scored 22 points, made 10 of 22 shots after getting off to a
2-for-12 start.
"Everything K.G. touched turned to gold," said the Wolves'
Wally Szczerbiak, who scored 20 points. "It was nice to see him
have that kind of game. He's sacrificed a lot of his offense during
the streak."
Garnett is averaging 25.9 points in 14 head-to-head matchups
against Webber, who is averaging 18.9 against Garnett.
"Whenever I've played C-Webb, I look at it as a challenge
because he's the person I idolize," Garnett said.
Rasho Nesterovic broke Timberwolves records with six blocked
shots in the first quarter and seven at the half, helping the
Wolves set a team-record with 11 blocks in the first half.
"I saw him play better yesterday in practice," Saunders said.
"He's been an all-practice player the past three weeks. It was
nice to see him carry it onto the court."
Terrell Brandon finished with 11 points and 10 assists.
The Wolves had 39 assists overall, missing another team record
by three.
"I looked at that, and that's the most proud I've ever been of
a stat," Szczerbiak said. "That indicates we're playing
basketball the right way."
The Kings lost their third game in a row for the first time this
season. Sacramento has lost seven straight to the Wolves at Target
Center.
Game notes
Timberwolves G Anthony Peeler returned to the starting
lineup after missing two games to attend a funeral. ... The Wolves'
starting lineup of Peeler, Garnett, Nesterovic, Brandon and
Szczerbiak improved to 12-1. ... The Kings, who fell to 11-11 on
the road, have not finished at .500 or better on the road over a
full season since they were 18-18 as the Cincinnati Royals during
the 1963-64 season. ... The Wolves made 48 of 84 shots for 57.1
percent, a season high. ... The 29-point win tied for the third-largest margin of victory in
Minnesota history.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Sacramento Clubhouse
Minnesota Clubhouse
RECAPS
Boston 94
Milwaukee 91
Houston 112
Philadelphia 87
San Antonio 107
Cleveland 89
New York 96
Dallas 93
Orlando 107
Washington 98
Minnesota 117
Sacramento 88
Portland 97
Seattle 80
Golden State 89
LA Clippers 88
LA Lakers 85
Phoenix 83
Utah 92
Vancouver 82
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Kevin Garnett can't explain his offensive explosion against the Kings.
wav: 153 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Wally Szczerbiak says Wednesday was Kevin Garnett's night.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
FROM
ATHLETESDIRECT
Kevin Garnett Official Site
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