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Celtics F Garnett healthy, ready for return to Minnesota

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:26 AM Boston (11-2) at Minnesota (2-8) 8:00 pm. EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Kevin Garnett's homecoming was spoiled by an injury last season, but "The Big Ticket" is ready to remind the Minnesota fans what they are missing.

The 11-time All-Star will play his first game against his former team on Friday when the defending world champion Boston Celtics visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Garnett was the face of the Timberwolves for 12 seasons before being trade to Boston in a seven-player deal prior to last season that ultimately contributed to his first, and Boston's 17th NBA title. The Celtics acquired Garnett for forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and two others as well as two first-round picks.

Nearly 16 months later, Garnett will finally face his old team in the town he called home for so many years.

Garnett, who was named league MVP after leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals in 2004, was sidelined by an oblique strain when the Celtics played in the Twin Cities last season. He received a raucous ovation before the Celtics' 88-86 win on February 8.

Surely, it will be louder now that he is actually able to take the floor. But he says he going to treat his first game at the Target Center as a visitor like just another game.

"Other than being able to sleep in my own bed, it should be cool," said Garnett, who scored 15 points in a 98-80 win over Detroit on Thursday.

"It's always good to go back and see my own personal friends in Minneapolis. It's good to see the fans and people that have always been good to me. Other than that it's just another game to be honest. I was locked in tonight and I'll be locked in tomorrow so it should be fun."

The key player in the trade for Minnesota was Jefferson, who has turned into a dominant force in his fifth season. The 6-10, 265-pounder is off to a fast start following last season's breakout campaign. Jefferson is averaging 22.6 points and 10.3 rebounds in 10 games.

Jefferson scored 25 points, helping the Timberwolves snap an eight-game skid with a 102-96 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday.