T'Wolves Cage Grizz In 2OT

Terrell Brandon hit his first three field goal attempts of the second overtime and scored 20 points to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-94 win over the Vancouver Grizzlies on Friday night.

Kevin Garnett also scored 20 and allowed Minnesota to complete a four-game season sweep of the Grizzlies, who battled back from a 17-point first-half deficit in their final home game of the season.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as the Grizzlies closed out their home schedule with a 12-29 record.

Michael Dickerson added 22 points for the Grizzlies, who did not receive any points from their reserves in 68 combined minutes the first time that has happened in the five-year history of the franchise.

In a repeat scenario from many of their recent contests, the Grizzlies were forced to go to a small lineup after falling behind early. A 10-2 Vancouver run late in the first period enabled the Grizzlies to trail 27-21 heading into the second quarter.

Minnesota hit nine of its first 10 field goal attempts through the first 7:50 of the second to build a 17-point lead. But the Timberwolves missed their last six shots of the opening half and led 52-42 at the break despite 60 percent shooting.

Vancouver's starters played nearly the entire third period and kept the game close, getting within 73-72 with 7:48 left. The teams then traded baskets until the final minute, and Bryant Reeves of the Grizzlies nearly slammed home an offensive rebound at the buzzer with the scored tie 80-80.

Lack of bench production ultimately did in the Grizzlies. Minnesota's reserves outscored the Vancouver bench 36-0. Over the four-game season series, Minnesota held a 153-63 edge.

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