Szczerbiak’s Back, but Garnett Shines

Getting Wally Szczerbiak back in the lineup made it that much easier for Kevin Garnett.

Garnett scored 28 points and tied a career high and franchise record with 24 rebounds, and Szczerbiak returned from a foot injury and scored 19 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 114-110, Thursday night at Minneapolis.

Garnett scored 13 points and had 10 rebounds during a fourth quarter that featured nine lead changes and four ties.

His biggest rebound came in the final seconds, an offensive board with the Timberwolves leading, 112-110. Garnett tipped the ball over to Troy Hudson, who clinched the game by making two free throws with 0.7 seconds remaining.

Minnesota benefited from Szczerbiak’s return. He made six of 13 shots from the field in 35 minutes in his first game since injuring his left foot Oct. 8 in an exhibition game against the Bucks.

Milwaukee’s Sam Cassell scored 22 of his 32 points in the first half and Ray Allen added 18 of his 27 in the third quarter. Milwaukee’s Toni Kukoc was ejected with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter after picking up two quick technical fouls.

Detroit 89, Denver 63 -- Chauncey Billups scored 21 points, including five three-point baskets, to help the Pistons win at Denver. Billups, who starred at Denver’s George Washington High, keyed a 9-0 run in the third quarter that padded the lead to 58-37.