Toronto builds early lead, defeats Wolves 97-77 with defense
Wolves only 1/17 from 3-point range; lose boards 51-34; KG 15/12; Ricky 10/9/9
*Boxscore *Video Highights *Bosh stars as Raptors down Wolves, AP *Bosh bites Wolves, Toronto
     (Toronto 3/24/06 by Poundmaster) The Minnesota Timberwolves normally own the first quarter but not tonight, going down to the Toronto Rapters 24-8 in the first quarter and 54-35 for the half. They never recovered, losing 97-77 against the swarming Raptors defense that collapsed on Kevin Garnet all night. Garnett socred only 15 points, as Toronto ignored the three given the Wolves 3 of 17 shooting from three point range. Toronto crushed the Wolves on the boards 51-34.
     The Timberwolves were down to the Rapters 79-61 after three quarters. They went down by 19 at halftime and played the Rapters almost even in the third quarter.
     The Timberwolves ended the first half down by 19 to the Raptors at 54-35. Kevin Garnett was held to 8 points by a swarming Raptors defense which surrounded him most of the half. They were outrebounded 27-18 and 7-3 on the offensive boards.
     The Timberwolves could not have opened colder, making only 2 of their first 17 shots. The did improve in the second quarter making 12 of their next 18 shots for a 36% first half shooting average. But they made NO threes in the first half. The T-Wolves had a 1-1 ratio assists to turnovers, poor in NBA terms.

Kidd leads Nets past Wolves 86-82
Garnett 24/11; Kidd 9 assists
*Boxscore *Video Highlights *Nets 86, Timberwolves 82, AP

     (NJ 3/23/06 Poundmaster) Jason Kidd had 9 assists to go with his 17 points to lead the New Jersey Nets past the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at New Jersey 86-82 where defense was king. Kevin Garnett led all scorers with 24 points with 11 rebounds, his 25th straight double-double.
    Once again, the Timberwolves could not hold onto a ten point first half lead, losing down to the wire when Jason Kidd iced the game at 12 seconds to play with two free throws.     Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson each had 21 points for the win. Marcus Banks and Mark Blount each had 18 in a losing cause.