MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Garnett had 22 points and 24 rebounds for the Timberwolves in a 92-75 victory over the Kings on Thursday night in a matchup of the Western Conference's top teams.
Sam Cassell added 18 points for Minnesota (39-15), which used a 60-34 rebound advantage to beat Sacramento (38-14).
Peja Stojakovic had 15 points for the Kings, whose 75 were a season low - 30 below their average. It was just the third time they were under 90.
This budding rivalry recently has been one of the tightest matchups in the league. The previous four meetings went to overtime, an NBA record.
Minnesota swingman Wally Szczerbiak, who hadn't played this season because of a strained left foot, was activated and scored six in 16 minutes.
76ERS 112, SONICS 101: Allen Iverson scored 40 and Glenn Robinson added 26 for visiting Philadelphia. Ray Allen paced Seattle with 31 points.
PACERS: Forward Ron Artest will be out indefinitely after surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left thumb. The All-Star injured the thumb when it got caught in the jersey of Nets forward Richard Jefferson during a game Jan.17. Artest aggravated it Tuesday night against the Hornets when he fell in the third quarter.
RAPTORS: All-Star guard Vince Carter will be sidelined 2-4 weeks with a sprained left ankle, coach Kevin O'Neill said. Carter was hurt in the fourth quarter of Toronto's 86-82 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday night and had to use crutches after the game. An MRI Thursday showed he had a moderate ankle sprain.
WILLIAMS TRIAL: Costas "Gus" Christofi was trying to defend himself when he was shot and killed by Jayson Williams at the former All-Star's home two years ago, a county medical examiner said in testimony during Williams's manslaughter trial in Somerville, N.J. Dr. Steven Diamond said the 55-year-old limousine driver had his hands in front of him and was trying to shield himself or block something when he was shot.
