4.05.2016

T-Wolves Finish Preseason 7-1, as KG Makes Home Debut



KG's Rookie Season
October 29, 1995


Rare words of praise flowed after Saturday's game. Miami coach Pat Riley said the Timberwolves look ``exciting.'' Former coach Jack Ramsay, ESPN's NBA analyst, strolled through the locker room and told several players, ``You guys are going to be good this year.''

The Wolves appreciated the comments, but they downplayed their 96-94 victory over Miami at Target Center - even though they ended up with the NBA's best exhibition record at 7-1. ``That's over,'' Wolves veteran Doug West said. ``This is done. Our goal now is to come to practice on Monday and get ready for Friday.''

The tone of a winner? Rather than revel in the excitement of Saturday's victory, the Wolves turned their focus to Friday's regular-season opener at Sacramento. They left the celebrating to the crowd of 9,898, which saw the Wolves erase an 18-point deficit in the third quarter and make clutch plays in the fourth.

Rookie Kevin Garnett, making his home debut, finished with 10 points and three rebounds. Garnett's two free throws late in the third quarter gave the Wolves a 71-69 lead, their first since the opening tip. The high school phenom drew a loud ovation from the crowd after scoring the Wolves' first points of the game on an inside move.



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