Kevin Garnett honored during Timberwolves regular-season finale in Minneapolis
kevin-garnett-honored-during-timberwolves-regular-season-finale-in-minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS — Franchise icon Kevin Garnett returned to Target Center for the first time in eight years on Sunday, headlining the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the regular-season finale.
The Hall of Fame forward entered the arena alongside co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez moments after player introductions. Greeted by a thunderous ovation, Garnett patted his chest, hugged current star Anthony Edwards and settled into a courtside seat for fan appreciation night.
With Minnesota already locked into the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and New Orleans long since eliminated from contention, head coach Chris Finch rested nine of his top 10 regulars. The Timberwolves (49-33) started veteran swingman Joe Ingles, who delivered 15 points and 10 assists, while rookie forward Joan Beringer powered the lineup with 24 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks.
Garnett, the franchise leader in nearly every major statistical category, mended fences with the organization last year after a post-retirement rift with former owner Glen Taylor and now serves as a team ambassador. The club plans to retire his No. 21 jersey at a later date.
Minnesota opens the playoffs next weekend, while the Pelicans head into the offseason.
Source: ESPN
