T'wolves Post King-Sized Win

The Minnesota Timberwolves' 11th straight victory was the most impressive of their streak.

Kevin Garnett matched his career high with 40 points and the Timberwolves used a record-setting first quarter to fuel a 117-88 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night,

Minnesota's winning streak is the longest in the NBA this season, surpassing 10-game streaks by the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers.

"You still know the league is tough and you could lose 11 games in a row," Minnesota's Anthony Peeler said. "I think we can still make improvements. We're on a roll, but we can do a better job defensively against some teams."

Garnett scored 17 of his points during the first quarter as the Timberwolves went on an 18-point run and outscored the Kings 41-10. They tied team records for most points scored and fewest points allowed in a first quarter.

"I've never seen a start like that," Wolves coach Flip Saunders said.

Garnett dominated Chris Webber in a matchup of All-Star power forwards, making 17 of 22 shots. He scored his 40 points in 34 minutes, matching his career best set last season. Webber, who scored 22 points, ade 10 of 22 shots after getting off to a 2-for-12 start.

"Everything K.G. touched turned to gold," said the Wolves' Wally Szczerbiak, who scored 20 points. "It was nice to see him have that kind of game. He's sacrificed a lot of his offense during the streak."

Garnett is averaging 25.9 points in 14 head-to-head matchups against Webber, who is averaging 18.9 against Garnett.

"Whenever I've played C-Webb, I look at it as a challenge because he's the person I idolize," Garnett said.

Rasho Nesterovic broke Timberwolves records with six blocked shots in the first quarter and seven at the half, helping the Wolves set a team-record with 11 blocks in the first half.

"I saw him play better yesterday in practice," Saunders said. "He's been an all-practice player the past three weeks. It was nice to see him carry it onto the court."

Terrell Brandon finished with 11 points and 10 assists.

The Wolves had 39 assists overall, missing another team record by three.

"I looked at that, and that's the most proud I've ever been of a stat," Szczerbiak said. "That indicates we're playing basketball the right way."

The Kings lost their third game in a row for the first time this season. Sacramento has lost seven straight to the Wolves at Target Center.

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