Without Brown, Grizzlies Lose to the Timberwolves

Lionel Hollins lost his debut as interim coach of the Grizzlies, with Kevin Garnett getting 26 points and 15 rebounds and Latrell Sprewell adding 22 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves over Memphis, 115-90, Friday night.

“A lot of times teammates feed off the energy, and I think that was the case tonight,” Sprewell said.

“It seems like we haven’t had fun in a while,” he added. “It’s been a difficult period trying to figure out who’s going to play, but overall, guys are pulling for each other.”

The Timberwolves had their highest scoring output of the season as well as a season-low nine turnovers and season-high 28 assists in ending a two-game losing streak.

Mike Miller scored 19 points for Memphis, which was playing its first game after the sudden resignation of Hubie Brown.

“I thought our guys would be emotional and want to come out and play, but it’s a tough situation for all involved,” Hollins said.

Said Miller: “It’s always tough when you lose the heart of your team, but that’s still no excuse. You got to go out there and perform.”

Eddie Griffin scored 15 points to lead four other Timberwolves in double figures.

Pau Gasol, starting at center for Memphis after sitting out three games with a right ankle sprain, scored 17 points.