Trade throw-in powers Wolves
Minneapolis ? Few people mentioned Marcus Banks in last week’s seven-player deal between Minnesota and Boston.
Monday night, it was Banks who made it look like the Timberwolves got the better of a trade headlined by Ricky Davis and Wally Szczerbiak.
Banks had a season-high 20 points and six assists, leading a strong showing by all four ex-Celtics in Minnesota’s 110-85 victory.
Thursday, the Timberwolves sent Szczerbiak, centers Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones and a conditional first-round pick to the Celtics for swingman Ricky Davis, Blount, Banks, forward Justin Reed and two second-round picks.
Banks was considered by some to be a throw-in player, but he delivered a game-changing performance.
“I’m pretty sure they knew what they were doing when they got me,” Banks said.
Szczerbiak had 22 points, but that wasn’t enough to overcome a spirited effort from the ex-Celtics.
Spurs 79, Jazz 70
Salt Lake City – Tim Duncan scored 19 for San Antonio.
Heat 118, Clippers 114
Miami – The Heat sank their final eight free throws – including three by Shaquille O’Neal.
Grizzlies 86, Rockets 77
Memphis, Tenn. – Chucky Atkins scored 19 in his first start for Memphis.
Hornets 94, Bucks 93
Oklahoma City – David West hit a foul-line jumper with 0.1 seconds left.
Cavs 103, Bobcats 91
Charlotte, N.C. – LeBron James scored 30 in only three quarters, leading Cleveland.
Hawks 120, Knicks 101
Atlanta – Al Harrington scored 26, and Atlanta pulled away.
Blazers 116, Sonics 111
Seattle – Zach Randolph scored 32 for Portland.