Garnett's hot fourth quarter bucks Milwaukee

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wally Szczerbiak returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves just in time to see Kevin Garnett match the best rebounding performance of his career.

"KG played like a superstar," said Szczerbiak, sidelined nearly a month by a left foot injury. "I couldn't even think 'rebound' and he was grabbing everything in sight."

Garnett had 28 points and tied a career high and franchise record with 24 rebounds as the Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-110 on Thursday night.

Szczerbiak added 19 points in his return.

"I just felt very awkward running and moving," Szczerbiak said. "I didn't feel like my legs were in sync or my feet were in sync."

Szczerbiak played 35 minutes -- 20 in the second half -- and guarded Ray Allen, who scored 18 of his 27 points in the third quarter.

"I got a very shocking debut, chasing Ray Allen through all those screens," Szczerbiak said.

Sam Cassell scored 22 of his 32 points in the first half and Allen took over in the third as Milwaukee built a 85-83 lead after three quarters.

But down the stretch, the game belonged to Garnett. He scored 13 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the fourth quarter that featured nine lead changes and four ties.

"I wish I could say the ball came to me," Garnett said. "But I had to get after it. I just tried to be aggressive."

Szczerbiak hit a 3-pointer with 8:18 remaining to give Minnesota its first lead of the quarter, 93-92. And Garnett hit two free throws with 3:09 remaining to put Minnesota up 101-100.

The Wolves forced a turnover on the ensuing possession, then Kendall Gill hit a 3-pointer from the right corner with 2:38 remaining to make it 104-100.

"We had the game under control until we left Gill open in the corner," Allen said.

Minnesota extended the lead to six points on Hudson's jumper, but Allen cut it to 111-110 with a layup. Gill made one of two free throws, with Garnett getting the rebound on his miss.

"He's got length, intensity, desire and good hands -- all qualities that make you a great rebounder," Milwaukee coach George Karl said of Garnett. "It's like he's got a mission not to let them lose a home game right now."

The Wolves improved to 4-0 at Target Center. They are 0-2 on the road.

Milwaukee's Toni Kukoc was ejected with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter after picking up two quick technical fouls.

Kukoc was assessed a personal foul while fighting for a rebound with the Wolves' Kevin Garnett. Kukoc complained to referee Jason Phillips and was assessed a technical. When Phillips turned away, Kukoc kicked the basketball in his direction.

Phillips did not see the kick, but fellow referee Derek Richardson did, and immediately tossed Kukoc.

Notes: Garnett's 19 defensive rebounds set both a franchise record and a career high, bettering the 17 he had on Dec. 19, 2001, against New Jersey.

MILWAUKEE (110)

Thomas 4-12 0-0 8, Mason 5-8 1-2 11, Gadzuric 2-4 0-2 4, Allen 11-24 1-1 27, Cassell 12-18 8-8 32, Johnson 1-1 1-2 3, Redd 5-11 0-0 12, Kukoc 1-6 0-0 3, Caffey 4-6 0-1 8, Ollie 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 46-91 11-16 110.

MINNESOTA (114)

Garnett 9-17 10-11 28, Woods 7-10 1-2 15, Nesterovic 5-6 0-2 10, Szczerbiak 6-13 4-4 19, Hudson 5-13 4-5 15, Gill 2-6 1-2 6, Strickland 3-6 0-0 6, Slater 1-4 0-0 2, Peeler 4-6 0-0 8, Trent 2-6 1-2 5. Totals 44-87 21-28 114.

Milwaukee 29 25 31 25 -- 110

Minnesota 29 27 27 31 -- 114

3-Point Goals--Milwaukee 7-16 (Allen 4-7, Redd 2-4, Kukoc 1-2, Thomas 0-3), Minnesota 5-12 (Szczerbiak 3-7, Gill 1-1, Hudson 1-3, Garnett 0-1). Fouled out--Nesterovic. Rebounds--Milwaukee 50 (Mason 12), Minnesota 50 (Garnett 24). Assists--Milwaukee 21 (Cassell, Mason 6), Minnesota 31 (Hudson 11). Total fouls--Milwaukee 27, Minnesota 16. Technicals--Kukoc 2, Minnesota Defensive Three Second. Ejected--Kukoc. A--14,776 (19,006).