It can't be often that two teams play each other in the span of a week with such vastly different results. Last Tuesday, the Seattle Sonics played a fine all-around game and were able to cool down the streaking Minnesota Timberwolves. The loss sent Minnesota on a brief freefall, as they lost games to each of the LA squads to finish 0-3 on their roadtrip.

However, returning home seemed to be about all the Wolves needed, and they delivered a consistent and dominant performance of their own in returning the favor to the Sonics with a 108-83 victory at the Target Center this evening.

For the Sonics, despite improved play of late, it marked their third straight blowout away from home in the Midwest Division, following a 17-point loss at San Antonio and a 24-point loss at Utah. As in the loss to the Spurs, the Sonics got off to a horrible start, trailing by a 12-4 count after just over four minutes of play. The Sonics did manage to rebound this time, as the insertion of reserve guard Earl Watson helped catalyze a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 3 with two minutes to play into the quarter.

Minnesota responded to the Sonic run by posting a 9-4 one of their own to extend the lead to 8 after the first quarter. Seattle started the second quarter with an unconventional lineup, featuring five reserves, especially odd given Coach Nate McMillan's reluctance to use the bench this season. Despite the return of one starter, Vin Baker, who had sat much of the first quarter in foul trouble, the Sonic lineup was overwhelmed by a deep Minnesota bench. Led by Gary Trent, who gave the Sonics fits last Tuesday as well, and Chauncey Billups, the Wolves extended their lead to as many as 19 at the three minute mark on a Rasho Nesterovic tip. Again, the Sonics answered, with an 11-0 run which included three three-pointers. Seattle got the halftime lead to a reasonable 11, with the score 58-47 heading to the lockerroom.

The third quarter was tight and back and forth, as neither side strung together more than two consecutive baskets. Trading baskets was alright for the Timberwolves, and they were able to add a little to their lead, which finished the quarter at 14.

Still maintaing contact with the Timberwolves, and clinging to a slim chance of victory, the Sonics let it all slip away in the fourth quarter. Though Minnesota had no long run during the quarter, they consistently upped their lead. With a game tomorrow night at Detroit to think of, McMillan had all his starters out by the 4 minute mark of the ballgame, and the Timberwolves were able to turn what had been a decently close game into a blowout in the final minutes.

Perhaps nothing demonstrated Minnesota's dominance better than their doubling up the Sonics' assists total, with 36 (on 46 field goals) to the Sonics' 18 (on 35 field goals). The good ball movement and a lax Sonic defense added up to the Wolves shooting the lights out, with 51.7% shooting from the field, 57.1% from beyond the arc, and 85.7% from the free throw line.

The Sonics were led by the paltry 17 points of Rashard Lewis, on 6 of 14 shooting, along with 5 boards. In an off night, Gary Payton shot 7 of 17 to finish with 15 points and 6 assists. Baker's line was mostly good, as he shot 5 of 10 for 13 points and 6 rebounds. However, his 5 turnovers were extremely costly. Watson, playing extensively, had 10 points but only 1 assist.

Kevin Garnett, criticized for his poor play on the road trip, continued to struggle with his shot but still had an outstanding game, scoring 21 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists. Wally Szczerbiak started off hot, scoring 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting in the first quarter. However, he cooled to finish with 20 on 9 of 18. Billups was nearly perfect off the bench, scoring 16 on 6 of 6 from the field and handing out 5 assists while not turning the ball over in 21 minutes. Nesterovic added 12 points on 6 of 9 shooting. Trent finished with 11 points, as did Joe Smith, who added 8 rebounds. Guard Terrell Brandon was the only starter not in double figures, but finished with 9 assists.

Notes:
Sonic guard Desmond Mason did not make the trip after suffering a sprained knee on Sunday ... center Calvin Booth was questionable, but played 26 minutes and had arguably his best defensive game of the season with 4 blocks ... a week after setting a career high with 31 points against Minnesota, Brent Barry struggled, scoring just 3 points on 1 of 3 shooting ... for the second straight game, Anthony Peeler was quiet against the Sonics. Nicknamed by Coach Flip Saunders 'Seattle Slew', Peeler had 8 points and 6 assists, but was generally quiet.

SC.com Player of the Game: Another night where few are worthy of recognition, but honors tonight to Rashard Lewis, who did lead with 17 points.