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McCants leads balanced attack as Timberwolves edge Grizzlies

Apr 13, 2008 - 3:44 AM By Jason Smith PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't show the Memphis Grizzlies' home crowd much gratitude on Fan Appreciation Night at FedEx Forum.

Rashad McCants scored 23 points to lead four others in double figures as the Timberwolves notched a 114-105 victory over the Grizzlies in their final home game.

Kirk Snyder had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Al Jefferson added 21 and 10 for Minnesota, which shot 49 percent (49-of-99) from the field en route to a commanding 43-25 lead after the first quarter.

"I think Kirk was really huge for us," Minnesota coach Randy Wittman said. "He got out in the lanes and Randy (Foye) threw the ball ahead. We scored quickly at the start of the game, and it kind of gets you going. That was the key to the game. We ran and threw the ball ahead as good as we have in a long time and converted the fast break."

The win helped Minnesota earn a split, 2-2, in the season series.

"Overall, we were out of rhythm," Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni said. "Unfortunately, we were not able to come up with a victory in our last game at home."

Memphis rookie Mike Conley had his coming out party with a season-high 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting. The 6-1 guard was taken fourth overall out of Ohio State after a just one season in the college ranks.

"It has been a long year. It's been a roller coaster," Conley said. "There were a lot of ups and downs. With the trades and injuries, it has been a whirlwind. I'm glad to have this year under my belt. I have learned a lot from it, and I think it will make me a better player. It has been a productive year."

He played well as the Grizzlies saluted their fans at the end of a dismal campaign.

Memphis trimmed its deficit to 62-55 at halftime, but Minnesota responded with an 18-8 surge through the first 5 1/2 minutes of the third to push the lead to 80-63.

Andre Brown's free throw with 7:28 left in the fourth cut Minnesota's lead to 98-89. But McCants and Randy Foye combined for the next seven points to seal it for the Timberwolves.

"We gave it everything. It was basically a turnaround from last night," Foye said referring to Friday's 102-101 victory over Orlando. "We played really well (Friday) in the fourth quarter. I think we just continued it on in our first quarter. ... I wish we played (Sunday) with how much momentum we got."

Rudy Gay scored 22 points and Brown added career highs with 13 points and 18 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who shot 40 percent (36-of-89) and were outrebounded, 62-45.