Wolves crush shorthanded Wizards in Garnett's return: 'A special time'
It was as close to a playoff atmosphere as a 12-43 team is ever likely to inspire. In his much-anticipated return to Minnesota, Kevin Garnett drew the starting power forward nod Wednesday against the Washington Wizards, and sent the sellout home crowd into a frenzy that did not abate until well after the final buzzer sounded.
Related: Garnett's electric return to Minnesota
It was almost as if the Timberwolves believed it really was a playoff game, because they came out playing with what looked like a bad case of the jitters. They missed layups, turned the ball over, got burned in transition, and quickly fell behind 18-3 in the early going.
They scored just 11 first-quarter points, but settled down in the second, thanks in large part to the steady hand of shooting guard Kevin Martin. Martin alone scored 16 in the quarter, and the Wolves went into the half level with the Wizards, after Garnett blocked a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
The Wizards were playing shorthanded, especially on the wing, with both Bradley Beal and Paul Pierce out of the lineup. Things didn't improve at halftime, as power forward Kris Humphries was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a hamstring strain.
The Wolves came out like gangbusters in the second half, and the Wizards looked exhausted playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Rookie Andrew Wiggins, who struggled to start the game, shook loose for 13 third-quarter points, and put a hurting on the depleted Wizards wing.
Garnett, meanwhile, was steady throughout, struggling with his shot but playing air-tight post defense, snagging eight rebounds and blocking two shots.
The fans in attendance were more than willing to show their appreciation.
On a night of warm fuzzy feelings, a strong showing from the Wolves would've been enough. But from the second quarter on, they played some of their most inspired basketball of the season, kicking off the Garnett reunion tour in fine fashion with a 97-77 romp.
"I've been back before and never paid attention to how much love is still here for me," Garnett said after the game. "And tonight it was just over the top.
"I did not know the city missed me like this. I don't think you can ever wish or ever think the city loves you like this ... I looked into crowd and saw my friends and family. I'm glad my daughters were here to see that. It was just a special time."