After trailing for most of the game, the Timberwolves hit their straps in the final period outscoring the Bobcats 34-18 to land their 14th victory for the season.

Kevin Garnett led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points and 14 rebounds and received strong support from Ricky Davis (25 points) and Mark Blount (21 points).

For the Bobcats, Matt Caroll came off the bench and finished with 23 points including five three-pointers, while guard Raymond Felton added 22.

The win ended a six-game losing streak for Minnesota and keeps them in touch with the leaders of the Northwest division.

In other results, Boston finished a five-game stint on the road with a solid 89-81 win over Portland.

Ryan Gomes was one of the best for the Celtics scoring 18 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, while Tony Allen added 22 points and Al Jefferson managed 11 rebounds.

Shooting by both teams was indicative of their low rankings on the ladder with neither side able to shoot above 45 per cent.

The Trailblazers struggled to find many winners on court with Brandon Roy (18 points), Ime Udoka (11 points) and Martell Webster (11 points) the only players to register double-figure scores.

The loss was Portland's fifth from its past six appearances and has left its season win-loss record at 13-19.

Monday NBA results
Bobcats 96 T'wolves 102
Blazers 81 Celtics 89