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Garnett, Timberwolves edge Wizards to end slide

Feb 26, 2007 - 12:57 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Once again, Kevin Garnett wore the cape for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Garnett scored 26 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves to a 98-94 triumph over the Washington Wizards.

The performance came two days after Minnesota lost in disappointing fashion to the Phoenix Suns, prompting Garnett to call out his teammates.

"The trade deadline's over and nobody's coming in here with a cape on to make things happen," the All-Star forward said following the loss to Phoenix. "The responsibility falls back on us as always."

Garnett certainly held up his end of the bargain Sunday, netting 16 points after the break and grabbing several key rebounds down the stretch. The former MVP finished 11-of-21 from the floor and also dished out four assists.

Ricky Davis scored 27 points to pace Minnesota while rookie Randy Foye chipped in 13 for the Timberwolves, who snapped a three-game skid which began with Tuesday's 12-point loss in Washington.

"(Garnett) is always superman for us," Foye said. "He's out there every night, there's nobody better. What else can you ask for? And also, he's playing defense on the best forward on the other team. He's always superman to us because not only is he a great player on the court, he is a great guy off the court."

It was the second straight loss for the Wizards (31-23), who remained in a virtual tie with Cleveland (32-24) for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Washington All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas struggled through an awful outing, scoring 20 points on 4-of-22 shooting.

"He had a few games like that in November," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. "But the good thing about it is that he usually snaps back and comes back with a really great game. That's what we need."

"I had good looks early, but they didn't go through," Arenas said.

Garnett was impressed with his club's defense.

"Arenas missed some shots tonight due to the fact that I felt like we did a good job of putting a hand up and being aware of where he was," Garnett said. "(Compared to last time we played them) tonight we were a little more in tune to what they wanted to do."

DeShawn Stevenson scored 21 points to pace the Wizards, who played without second-leading scorer Caron Butler. The All-Star forward was sidelined with back spasms.