10.23.2009

Garnett Plays 38 Minutes, Opens Some Eyes in Minny

KG's Rookie Season
October 28, 1995


The Minnesota Timberwolves moved to 6-1 in preseason, and rookie Kevin Garnett played a game-high 38 minutes and filled in for the absent veterans with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. The Wolves played the final six minutes with Michael Williams, Christian Laettner, Tom Gugliotta (nine points, six rebounds), Mark Davis and Garnett.``Coach Bill Blair could have played me until four in the morning if he wanted to,'' Garnett said. ``I'm glad the coaches are starting to have the confidence in me.''

Opponents are shooting more than 5 percentage points less against the Wolves (down to 42.2 percent from 47.4) in the seven games, a tribute to more aggressive defense and perhaps the wingspan of 6-foot-11 rookie Kevin Garnett. Garnett, who leads the Wolves in blocked shots (11), makes his Target Center debut tonight. The learning process has been rough at times, but Garnett has not embarrassed the club as a kid playing a man's game. The high school phenom is averaging 9.0 points and 5.1 rebounds and leads the team in minutes per game at 26.3.

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