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Garnett hopes to continue dominant January for Timberwolves

Jan 12, 2007 - 2:59 PM Minnesota (17-16) at Memphis (9-27) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - Kevin Garnett cannot be faulted for the end of the Minnesota Timberwolves' recent winning streak.

Garnett attempts to continue his dominant play in January as Minnesota looks to win for the the fifth time in six games with Friday's meeting against the Memphis Grizzlies.

A nine-time All-Star and 2004 Most Valuable Player, Garnett is averaging 25.8 points and 15.0 rebounds in his five January contests. He also is the league's second-leading rebounder (12.4) - trailing just Orlando's Dwight Howard - and leads in defensive rebounds (10.0).

Despite scoring 19 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, Garnett missed an 18-foot jumper in the final seconds as Minnesota's four-game winning streak ended with Wednesday's 92-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ricky Davis led the Timberwolves with 24 points and Mark Blount added 21 in the defeat.

Although Memphis tops the league in defeats - one more than the Philadelphia 76ers - it has split its first six games under coach Tony Barone after he replaced the fired Mike Fratello.

The Grizzlies are coming off Tuesday's 128-118 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers. Pau Gasol scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and Mike Miller added 25 points for Memphis, which placed six players in double figures.

Memphis has won six of the last eight meetings against Minnesota. This will be their first encounter of the campaign.