Timberwolves, Garnett try to stay hot in Boston

On Monday, Kevin Garnett poured in 24 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, to lead Minnesota past New York, 96-90, at Madison Square Garden. Wally Szczerbiak also had 24 points and pulled down eight boards for the Timberwolves, who had lost three in a row prior to their winning streak.

Troy Hudson contributed 16 points in the win.

Garnett has been a huge factor in the Timberwolves recent success, as he is averaging 27.7 points, 15.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in the last three games. He was named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday for his efforts.

The Timberwolves, who will return home for three games after tonight’s affair, are 6-11 away from home this season.

Boston, meanwhile, comes in on a sour note after falling to the Detroit Pistons, 94-84, on Monday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Paul Pierce had 21 points and seven rebounds while David West posted 20 points and seven boards for the Celtics, who have dropped five of their past six contests.

However, after a season-high 33-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Ricky Davis missed all eight of his shots and was held scoreless for the first time this season.

Boston, which will close a brief two-game homestand against the New Jersey Nets on Friday, is 10-8 in its arena this season.

The Celtics split their two matchups with the T-Wolves last season and have won five seven and six of the last nine meetings. Minnesota, though, has won six of its last seven in Beantown.