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Garnett, Timberwolves shoot for seventh win in eight games

Jan 15, 2007 - 3:28 PM Minnesota (19-16) at Detroit (21-14) 3:30 pm EST

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- A new calendar year has led to a new lease on life for Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Garnett tries to lead the Timberwolves to their seventh victory in eight contests when they visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The 2004 MVP, Garnett was named the Western Conference Player of the Week last Monday. After becoming the 51st player to score 18,000 points on January 3, he became the 32nd to collect 10,000 rebounds in Saturday's 109-98 triumph over the New Jersey Nets.

Garnett, who is tied with Orlando's Dwight Howard for the league lead in rebounding (12.6), made all 11 free throws, scored 32 points and grabbed 14 boards Saturday for the Timberwolves, who shot 57 percent (37-of-65) from the floor.

Detroit has lost six of its last nine games and has played without second-leading scorer Chauncey Billups - the 2004 NBA Finals MVP - for the past seven contests because of a strained right calf.

Despite shooting just 34 percent (29-of-85), the Pistons relied on their defense to post Saturday's 81-73 triumph over the Boston Celtics.

Richard Hamilton scored 22 points and Ronald Murray, who has replaced Billups in the starting lineup, added 21 for Detroit.

Detroit coach Flip Saunders guided the Pistons to a two-game season sweep of the Timberwolves last season. Saunders spent part of 10 seasons coaching the Timberwolves from 1995-2005.