Timberwolves try to strike gold again in Denver

Minnesota plays the first of a four-game road trip. On Wednesday, All-Star Kevin Garnett posted 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves over the Sacramento Kings, 92-83, at the Target Center in the season opener for both clubs.

Troy Hudson scored 15 points for the Timberwolves, who finished the 2005-06 season with a disappointing 33-49 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season. Trenton Hassell ended with 13 points in the victory.

The Timberwolves, who will also visit Portland, Sacramento and the Lakers on the current swing, was a dismal 9-32 on the road last season.

Denver, which plays the opener of a brief two-game homestand, started its season Thursday with a loss. Veteran Sam Cassell scored 35 points and hit the winning free throws with 12 seconds left, as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Nuggets 96-95 at the Staples Center.

Star forward Carmelo Anthony had 15 points for the Nuggets, but was ejected with 8:22 left in the third quarter after throwing his headband in the direction of official Tom Washington following the argument of a charging foul. It was Anthony’s second technical foul. His first came after arguing a foul call in the opening minute of the third period.

J.R. Smith tallied 21 points for the Nuggets, who lost to the Clippers in five games in the Western Conference quarterfinals last season. Marcus Camby finished with 16 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Guard Andre Miller had a horrific night for Denver, going 0-for-11 from the field to finish with five points and seven assists.

The Nuggets are scheduled to host Stephon Marbury and the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Denver was a solid 26-15 at the Pepsi Center in 2005-06.

The Nuggets won three of four from the Timberwolves last season and Minnesota has dropped two straight at Denver.