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Duncan duels Garnett as Spurs host surging Timberwolves

Dec 13, 2006 - 3:53 PM Minnesota (10-9) at San Antonio (16-6) 8:00 pm EST

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs once again are the class of the Western Conference. Kevin Garnett has the Minnesota Timberwolves in a good spot as well.

Duncan and Garnett square off for the first time this season when the Spurs host the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

The two-time reigning Southwest Division champion, San Antonio has won five of its last six games and is 16-6, the second-best record in the league. Duncan has been a driving force behind that success, averaging 21.3 points and 10.5 rebounds this season.

Brent Barry scored 24 points off the bench Monday as the Spurs cruised to a 103-81 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Tony Parker scored 21 points while Duncan chipped in 17 points and a season-high six assists for San Antonio, which allows just 91.3 points per game, the second-lowest mark in the league.

On Wednesday, the Spurs face a defensive-minded Timberwolves team which yields just 92.3 points per contest. Minnesota extended its winning streak to a season-high four games Saturday with a 91-81 triumph over the Chicago Bulls.

Garnett had 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to register his league-leading 17th double-double for the Timberwolves, who limited the Bulls to just 39 percent shooting.