MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Kevin Garnett scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds during the decisive third quarter Friday night to carry the Minnesota Timberwolves past the winless Memphis Grizzlies, 111-102.
Rookie Shane Battier led Memphis with 22 points, but it was not enough for the Grizzlies, who saw the game get away from them during a third quarter in which they were dominated by Garnett and outscored, 28-17.
The All-Star forward was all over the floor as the Timberwolves quickly turned a one-point halftime lead into a 12-point advantage.
Garnett began the second half with a layup and, after a pair of free throws by Battier, took a feed from Terrell Brandon for an easy layup. The duo hooked up again moments later and Garnett hit a 19-footer that made it 63-58.
A jumper and a three-point play by Brandon upped the advantage to 10 points and Garnett capped the 11-0 run by taking a feed from Wally Szczerbiak and throwing down a dunk with 8:54 to play in the period.
Minnesota's lead grew to 17 points later in the quarter and the Grizzlies never threatened thereafter as they fell to 0-2.
Garnett made just one of his first seven shots before connecting on 11 of his last 23. He finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and a steal while going eight of 12 from the foul line.
Szczerbiak netted 22 points, added eight assists and pulled down six rebounds. The Timberwolves outscored Memphis at the foul line, 28-15, and held a 48-45 advantage on the boards.
Minnesota improved to 2-0 following a season-opening victory over injury-riddled Philadelphia.
