Mavs to be tested

[MavKikiNYC]

Looks like Chief Triangle should've added a question about the T-Wolves zone defense......

T-Wolves Don't Back Down From Lakers

By The Associated Press

Considering they have nearly identical records, the Minnesota Timberwolves should have no reason to be afraid of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Wolves showed their mettle Wednesday night by beating the Lakers 112-101 behind Kevin Garnett's 33 points and 30 from Chauncey Billups, including seven straight 3-point shots without a miss.

Billups was motivated by Lakers coach Phil Jackson's statement before the game that the Wolves had a look of fear when they played the NBA's two-time defending champions.

``That's a little disrespectful for him to say that,'' Billups said. ``This is basketball. You don't fear anybody. We respect that team, but we don't fear anyone in this league.''

With the third-most victories in the league and a 39-18 record — the Lakers are 39-17 — Minnesota has every right to feel confident. When the Timberwolves get such a strong inside-outside game, they can handle anyone.

Including the Lakers.

Billups, who also had 11 assists, nailed two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep the Lakers from fighting back and extending their four-game winning streak.

``I got some open looks and they went down,'' Billups said. ``So I said, 'OK, I'm going to keep shooting.'''

Shaquille O'Neal led Los Angeles with 27 points, while Kobe Bryant was held to 20. The Lakers were visibly frustrated by the Wolves' defense, which held Los Angeles to 45.8 percent from the field.

``When we don't have our legs, we have to lean on our execution to get open looks,'' Bryant said. ``We missed some open shots.''