<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Big Nasty:</div><div class="quote_post">MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Sam Cassell's case for a first invitation to the All-Star game keeps getting stronger. Cassell had 22 points, including seven in the final 2{ minutes, to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 97-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday. "I'm supposed to make wide-open shots. I'm supposed to make shots with guys hanging all over me," said Cassell, who made four jump shots in the fourth quarter. "That's why I have the ball in my hands down the stretch. Give my teammates credit. They have a lot to do with my success this year." Cassell, in his 11th NBA season, is averaging a career-high 20.9 points a game along with 7.3 assists. "He makes big shots," coach Flip Saunders said, pleased that Troy Hudson's return from an ankle injury allowed him to rest Cassell more before the final period. "He had the ability to be a little fresher." Kevin Garnett led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, drawing a foul with 18.2 seconds left that led to Hornets coach Tim Floyd's ejection. Baron Davis had 25 points for New Orleans before mildly spraining his left ankle midway through the fourth quarter with his team trailing 85-84. Missing their star, the Hornets lost their cool.</div> Link
