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Timberwolves seek to end five-game slide vs. SuperSonics

Jan 26, 2007 - 5:31 PM Minnesota (20-21) at Seattle (16-26) 10:30 pm EST

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves still are looking to reap the benefits of this week's coaching change.

Randy Wittman will try to guide the Timberwolves to their first victory in six games Friday when they play the fourth contest of a five-game road trip against the Seattle SuperSonics.

Named coach on an interim basis Tuesday to replace Dwane Casey, who opened the campaign by splitting 40 games, Wittman saw his team fall short in his debut with Wednesday's 101-98 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Kevin Garnett made 11-of-23 shots and scored 31 points, one shy of his season high. However, he missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have forced a second overtime.

Ricky Davis scored 23 points for Minnesota, which was outrebounded, 52-40.

Seattle opened January with six consecutive defeats before winning three of its last four. Only the Memphis Grizzlies have fewer victories in the Western Conference.

Ray Allen continues to be the brightest spot in a disappointing campaign. He made 16-of-31 shots - including six 3-pointers - to score 44 points and lead Seattle in Tuesday's 117-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The Timberwolves posted a 101-82 triumph over the SuperSonics in their previous encounter December 29. However, Minnesota has lost its last three visits here.