Minnesota Timberwolves Team Report - January 13

(Basketball News) - The Minnesota Timberwolves continued to falter on Wednesday night, as they lost an 87-80 decision at the Target Center.

Kevin Garnett had 19 points, matched a career-high with 25 rebounds and dished out eight assists for Minnesota, which continues its downward spiral. Wally Szczerbiak had 14 points for the slumping Timberwolves, who have dropped three straight and 10 of 13 to fall to 17-17 on the season. It is the first time since 1999 when the club was 25-25 through 50 games that Minnesota is at .500 this late into the season.

Minnesota drew within 73-69 thanks to an 8-0 burst early in the fourth, but Orlando had an answer by scoring nine of the next 12 points. Steve Francis, Grant Hill and Hedo Turkoglu combined for all of the Magic’s points during the run, with Turkoglu ending it with a basket at the 4:09 mark for an 82-72 cushion.

Minnesota later drew within 84-80, but that was as close as it would get.

Trenton Hassell added 14 points off the bench and Latrell Sprewell had 12 for Minnesota, which has lost four of five at home.

The T’Wolves will take to the road Friday to battle the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.