T-wolves’ Cassell, Garnett end Suns’ streak

Phoenix, AZ (Basketball News) - Sam Cassell scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves cool off the Phoenix Suns, 97-93, at America West Arena.

Kevin Garnett tallied 23 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists for the Timberwolves, who have won four straight. Latrell Sprewell added 22 points and seven rebounds for Minnesota, which has won five straight against the Suns and nine of 10 in the series.

Amare Stoudemire recorded 28 points to lead Phoenix, which had a nine-game win streak and its best start in 24 years halted. Steve Nash added 22 points and eight assists and Shawn Marion had 21 points and 18 boards, as the Suns failed to become the first team in NBA history to win 10 straight games after losing 50 or more the season before.

"It’s good that we experienced this early in the season, so that when we get another tough game like this we’ll be prepared for it," Stoudemire said.

After the Suns scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to extend to a 76-69 lead, Cassell took over and sparked a 16-3 run. The point guard scored the game’s next six points to get the Timberwolves within three 2:48 into the frame. Later, he capped the run with a jumper midway through the quarter for an 85-79 lead.

Cassell later extended the Minnesota lead to 94-85 with 1:29 left on a jumper which put the game out of reach.

"We just wanted to get the game to the fourth quarter — up four, down four, whatever it may be," Cassell said. "We like our chances against any team in the league in that situation."

Minnesota, which led 50-46 at halftime, is 3-0 on its current four-game road trip. The Timberwolves shot 8-of-19 from behind the arc, compared to just 2- of-18 for the Suns.

Phoenix, which fell to 13-3 this season, dropped to 6-2 at home this year.

Joe Johnson had four points and was the only Suns’ starter not to record double-figures in scoring...Quentin Richardson had 12 points and 11 boards for Phoenix...Wally Szczerbiak had 14 points for the Timberwolves, who are 6-3 on the road this season.