Minneapolis ? After an exhausting climb, the Minnesota Timberwolves are tied at the top of the Midwest Division.

And it’s only been 25 games. Just think what the rest of the season is going to be like.

Kevin Garnett had 35 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season, helping Minnesota hold off Dallas, 114-109, Thursday night for its fourth straight victory.

“It’s a dogfight in this division — we’re just trying to scratch and claw our way through it,” said Sam Cassell, who added 26 points for the Timberwolves.

Gary Trent had a season-high 18 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota (16-9), which won its second straight at home after losing five of its first nine at Target Center.

“A lot of guys played well, but the biggest surprise was Gary,” coach Flip Saunders said. “It was the best game he had this year.”

The Wolves, who wasted a 13-point lead in a 92-88 loss Nov. 29 at Dallas, improved to 4-4 against Western Conference teams and pulled even with Denver in the Midwest. All seven teams are within three games of each other.

Steve Nash (27 points) and Antawn Jamison (22) accounted for all but four of the Mavericks’ fourth-quarter points. The Mavs dropped to 3-9 on the road after falling Wednesday at Boston, 105-103.

“As long as a team plays up to its potential, I have no complaint about wins or losses,” Dallas coach Don Nelson said, showing some pity for his tired team. “This was one of those games.”

Dallas' Danny Fortson, left, goes to the basket against Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. Garnett scored 35 points in the Timberwolves' 114-109 victory Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Down by nine in the first quarter, the Wolves used a 14-0 run to take a 26-21 lead that they didn’t relinquish until Nash hit a three-pointer that put the Mavericks back in front, 99-98 with 5:07 left.

Garnett — who had his 13th career triple-double — made back-to-back baskets, though, and Minnesota pulled away.

Blazers 101, Suns 94

Portland, Ore. — Zach Randolph had 29 points and 20 rebounds to lead Portland over Phoenix. Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace each added 15 points for the Trail Blazers. Shawn Marion had 20 points for the Suns, who have lost six straight road games.

Portland, which trailed by as many as six in the second half, was 9-of-10 from the line in the final minute. Stephon Marbury added 11 points and 17 assists for the Suns, and Penny Hardaway had 15 points.

Portland shot 49.4 percent from the field and 88 percent from the foul line.

Kings 101, Hornets 90

New Orleans — Brad Miller had 21 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists to lead Sacramento past New Orleans. Mike Bibby added 19 points, Bobby Jackson had 18 and Peja Stojakovic 17 for the Kings. New Orleans (17-10) has lost three straight — all by double-digit margins — for its worst losing streak of the year.

The dry spell has come with new coach Tim Floyd needing only one victory to surpass his personal best for victories in a season. The most he had in any of his three-plus seasons in Chicago was 17.

Baron Davis led New Orleans with 23 points.