MILWAUKEE, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Kevin Garnett and Wally Szczerbiak returned Monday night just in time to repel a rally and lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to their fourth straight victory, a 117-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Garnett collected his NBA-leading 47th double-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Szczerbiak scored 26 points and had a huge defensive play against Gary Payton.
The Timberwolves held an 89-70 lead late in the third quarter but saw it cut to 101-96 on a dunk by Tim Thomas with 2:49 to go.
Payton stole a pass and streaked in for a layup that would have made it a three-point game. But Szczerbiak, not known for his defense, pursued the play and blocked the shot off the backboard. After a wild sequence, he ended up with the ball and was fouled, making two free throws for a 103-96 lead with 2:17 left.
Garnett, who made 11-of-19 shots and 12-of-16 free throws, answered follow shots by Michael Redd with post jumpers on consecutive trips.
Payton made a layup and was fouled with 1:07 remaining. Thomas rebounded his missed free throw but missed a short jumper, and Szcerbiak grabbed the rebound. He made two more foul shots for a 109-102 advantage with 54 seconds left.
The Bucks closed to 116-114 with two seconds left and fouled Troy Hudson, who missed the first of two from the line. Out of timeouts, Milwaukee coach George Karl corraled two of his players and quickly drew up a play on the sideline. But Garnett was looking in on the huddle and stole the inbounds pass after Hudson made the second free throw.
Hudson had 21 points and seven assists and Rasho Nesterovic added 16 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, which has won 10 of 11 and 20 of 25.
The Wolves have beaten the Bucks eight straight times overall and have won the last seven meetings in Milwaukee.
