Knicks Offer Spirited Effort, But Fall Short in Minnesota
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MINNEAPOLIS – After the Minnesota Timberwolves avoided their biggest collapse in franchise history, Kevin Garnett made it clear he doesn’t want to go through another season like this one.
And both Garnett and Stephon Mar bury said they would be open to being reunited in the future – although neither seems to want to change cities.
It’s been a frustrating season for both Garnett and Marbury, who played three seasons in Minnesota together before an unhappy Marbury forced a trade in 1999.
Asked if he would like to play with his former point guard, Garnett said: “I have no beef with Steph. I’ve never had a problem with Steph on the court. … You ask him, ‘Can you play with me?’ “
Before the game,reporters asked Marbury about reuniting with Garnett.
“In New York? That’d be great,” he said. What about in Minnesota? “Nah.”
The Wolves led yesterday by as many as 25 points through three quarters,only to be outscored 33-18 in the fourth. Garnett had 21 points through three quarters and, with the Wolves leading by 19 heading into the final period, looked like he might get the fourth off.
But trailing 91-77 with 5:03 to play, the Knicks ran off a 10-0 run, bringing loud groans from the fans and bringing the Knicks bench to its feet. Marbury’s layup with 9.2 seconds to play made it 94-92. After Marcus Banks went 1-of-2 from the line, Jackie Butler hit two free throws to make it 95-94 – the closest margin since early in the first quarter.
“We could have easily given up and moved on with our lives,” Jamal Crawford said. “But we wanted to continue and keep playing. … Nobody wants to be embarrassed.”
Ricky Davis then went 1-for-2 from the line for Minnesota,setting up a potential game-winning situation for the Knicks. But Butler had the ball knocked away from him on the ensuing possession and Marko Jaric sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds.
Crawford led the Knicks with 20 points. Steve Francis had 15 points, and Eddy Curry and Marbury had 12 apiece.
“We got close, but did not get it done,” coach Larry Brown said. “But it was fun watching them compete and watching the younger guys.”
Garnett and Marbury aren’t so young anymore, though.
“We both hate losing,” Garnett said. “I’m pretty sure he would like some more help.”
