Strickland sparks Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Rod Strickland is finally getting into playing shape, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are reaping the rewards.

Strickland had 14 points and seven assists, but more importantly kept the team calm and got Kevin Garnett involved when the Timberwolves needed him most.

Troy Hudson hit five 3-pointers in the first half and Garnett dominated the second half as the Timberwolves ended Houston's three-game winning streak with a 98-86 victory Saturday night.

Garnett had 27 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Notes: Coach Flip Saunders said injured G Wally Szczerbiak had another X-ray on his toe Friday, which will be evaluated Monday by team doctors.

HOUSTON (86)

Rice 4-12 1-3 10, Griffin 2-6 1-2 5, Yao 4-9 4-4 12, Mobley 5-13 2-2 12, Francis 8-19 7-9 24, Cato 2-3 0-0 4, Mau.Taylor 5-8 1-2 11, Morris 1-4 0-0 2, Norris 3-6 0-0 6, Hawkins 0-1 0-0 0, Posey 0-1 0-0 0, Nachbar 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 34-82 16-22 86.

MINNESOTA (98)

Garnett 10-20 7-7 27, Trent 6-10 0-0 12, Nesterovic 5-9 0-0 10, Gill 3-8 0-0 6, Hudson 5-9 0-0 15, Peeler 0-3 0-0 0, J.Smith 2-4 0-0 4, Jackson 4-10 2-2 10, Strickland 5-11 4-6 14. Totals 40-84 13-15 98.

Houston 20 25 24 17 -- 86

Minnesota 30 23 21 24 -- 98

3-Point Goals--Houston 2-19 (Francis 1-1, Rice 1-6, Griffin 0-1, Norris 0-1, Hawkins 0-1, Posey 0-1, Morris 0-2, Mobley 0-6), Minnesota 5-10 (Hudson 5-8, Garnett 0-1, Strickland 0-1). Rebounds--Houston 53 (Yao 12), Minnesota 47 (Trent 13). Assists--Houston 19 (Mobley, Norris, Yao 4), Minnesota 28 (Strickland 7). Total fouls--Houston 14, Minnesota 22. Technicals--Houston Defensive Three Second. A--16,329 (19,006).