NBA Game Summary - Minnesota at Phoenix

02.7.2006

Phoenix, AZ (Basketball News) - Kevin Garnett’s last-second block of Shawn Marion’s floater preserved a 103-101 victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Phoenix Suns at U.S. Airways Center.

"It was my rotation," said Garnett. "I rotated and blocked the shot. It was a good block. As soon as it left his hand, I got it."

Garnett netted 19, including the Timberwolves’ last five points, and also grabbed 12 rebounds and Marcus Banks scored 19 points for Minnesota, which snapped a three-game losing streak.

Despite shooting 6-of-16, Ricky Davis had 18 points and Trenton Hassell had 15 points and 10 assists in the contest.

Steve Nash tied a season-high with 31 points and added six assists, and Marion contributed 14 points, 12 rebounds and an NBA season-high eight steals for the Suns, who had a three-game winning streak snapped. Raja Bell added 19 points in the loss.

The Timberwolves grabbed a 100-96 advantage on Garnett’s turnaround jumper, but Boris Diaw’s shot from beyond the arc cut the lead to one with 51 seconds left.

Garnett hit another jumper to give the T’Wolves 102-99 margin, but Nash’s driving layup on the other end kept the Suns in the game. Garnett was fouled and sank 1-of-2 at the line with 14.6 seconds left to give Phoenix one last shot.

The play was sloppy, but Nash got a pass to Marion, who let the floater go, only to have Garnett swat the shot away for the win.

Nash scored 13 of the Suns first 22 points in the quarter as Phoenix led 28-24 after the opening frame.

Phoenix led 33-30 on James Jones’ layup, but the Timberwolves responded with a 16-4 run, capped by Rashad McCants’ jumper, to take a 46-37 edge with 3:58 left in the half. The Suns fought back with an 8-1 streak but trailed 54-52 after 24 minutes of play.

Davis’ trey gave the Timberwolves a 70-68 edge at the 4:42 mark, but Phoenix responded with a 12-4 spurt, highlighted by a trio of free throws from Jones, to close the quarter with an 80-74 lead.

Minnesota shot 57 percent from the floor, while Phoenix connected on 44 percent of its shots...The Suns are 17-8 at home, while the T’Wolves are 8-17 on the road...Minnesota has won five of its last seven at Phoenix...The Timberwolves have lost 13 of their last 16 games on the road...There were five technical fouls assessed in the game...The Suns hit 27-of-30 from the line.

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