Game 3: New York MinnesotaMinnesota 96, New York 77 NEW YORK (AP) -- Latrell Sprewell, wearing a brown suit, jumped off the bench and yelled, "That's what I'm talking about!" as the Minnesota Timberwolves opened a huge early lead and cruised past the New York Knicks 96-77 on Saturday.
Sprewell's outburst came after Troy Hudson hit his second 3-pointer of the opening 3 minutes, helping Minnesota to a 13-0 lead. Minnesota eventually led by as many as 20 in handing the Knicks their third straight preseason loss.
Kevin Garnett scored 20 points, Hudson had 15 and Sam Cassell added 14. Sprewell sat out with a sore Achilles' tendon in his return to the arena where he spent the past five seasons.
Keith Van Horn, the player New York acquired for Sprewell, led the Knicks with 15 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Rookie Matt Carroll added 14.
Hudson got the start at shooting guard in place of Sprewell, but he'll likely come off the bench during the regular season after being Minnesota's starting point guard last year.
"If we've got six starters, we've got six, but he's going to be as important to us as (Sacramento's) Bobby Jackson. He gives us a lot of flexibility," Minnesota coach Flip Saunders said.
Hudson finished with three 3-pointers and five assists, while Cassell shot 6-for-7 with nine assists.
Hudson said he expects to play alongside Cassell at times during the season when he substitutes for Sprewell, and playing the off-guard position won't be a challenge for him since he did it with Orlando for two seasons. The six-year veteran averaged a career-high 14.2 points last season.
"With Sam, both of us can score the ball if we're in position," Hudson said. "If I've got the ball, I'll push it upcourt. If he has it, he'll push it upcourt. It's basically interchangeable."
Sprewell, expected to play exhibition games next week, engaged in some playful interaction with a small crowd. After the game, he didn't notice as Knicks president Scott Layden -- the man who traded him -- walked directly behind him while heading toward the New York locker room.
The Knicks didn't use newly-acquired center Dikembe Mutombo, who signed Thursday. He may play Sunday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
New York's Antonio McDyess, recovering from a fractured kneecap that sidelined him for all of last season, said he hopes to be playing next month.
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