NBA: Minnesota 95, New Jersey 93

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Damien Wilkins banked a shot off the backboard as time expired Wednesday, giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a 95-93 victory over New Jersey.

The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter before stunning the Nets with an unlikely comeback. Minnesota finished the game with a 24-6 run over the last 6:50.

Rookie Jonny Flynn missed a jumper for Minnesota with 4 seconds left and Wilkins claimed the offensive rebound. He threw up an off-balance shot that caromed into the basket to give him 12 points for the game.

Flynn began his NBA season with 18 points, including 13 in the final quarter. The thrilling victory came in the Minnesota coaching debut of Kurt Rambis, who replaced Kevin McHale.

Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 27 points and 15 rebounds. The Nets began life without star Vince Carter, who was traded to Orlando for Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie. Those three players combined for five points.