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Garnett leads Timberwolves to third straight overtime win

Jan 8, 2007 - 1:44 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't ready to stop playing at the end of regulation.

Garnett scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Timberwolves posted a 103-99 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.

Mark Blount had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Trenton Hassell added 14 and six for Minnesota, which has won four straight games, the last three after regulation.

"Three overtimes in a row," Garnett said. "Not really what we want, but we'll take it any way we can get it. We're playing well. Not to our full potential, but we're winning games right now with out defense and that's good."

"We have a lot of confidence right now," Timberwolves rookie Randy Foye added. "It's a new year and we said that we were going to make a turn around for the new year and try a stay consistent and try to do our roles and not blame anybody else for the bad stuff that happens."

Garnett shot 11-of-24 from the field and his two free throws in overtime gave Minnesota a 95-92 lead with 2:05 left in overtime. Blount's layup put the Timberwolves up by five and Mike James' driving layup extended the lead to 99-92.

Hassell and James each hit two free throws to ice the game for the Wolves, who have won five straight at home.

"Mike James has been a jewel to coach," Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey said. "He's a leader. He's strong-minded and tough."

Garnett recorded his 28th double-double of the season and James scored 12 points and handed out 10 assists for Minnesota, which shot 41 percent (32-of-79).

"It's difficult playing against Garnett, especially with a guy who is 7 feet, and is as athletic as he is and has long arms," Rockets guard Tracy McGrady said. "On my end, I just tried to take it to the basket more and move quicker."

McGrady scored 31 points, his fifth straight 30-plus point effort, and had six rebounds for the Rockets, whose five-game winning streak fell by the wayside.

"On my end, I just tried to take it to the basket more and move quicker," McGrady said.

"Hassell made McGrady work for each point," Casey said. "McGrady is one of the most difficult people to guard, along with Kobe (Bryant), because they get up so high on their shot."

Shane Battier had 20 points and Juwan Howard added 19 for Houston, which shot 42 percent (39-of-93).