The last time the Timberwolves left Phoenix, back in January, they agonized over a performance riddled with mistakes that cost them a game in overtime and a winning streak that had reached nine.

This time, skulking out of town in the wake of their ugly 81-76 loss to the Suns on Friday night at America West Arena, the Wolves had a new helping of regret to bear.

Billups gets a mouthful of defense

Paul Connors
AP
In one of their worst outings of the season, they shut down offensively, committed turnover after turnover, never matched the energy of Phoenix backup forward Bo Outlaw and came up with nothing to spring superstar Kevin Garnett from the home team's double-and triple-teaming defense.

Phoenix held Garnett to four points -- his lowest total since a couple of scoreless nights in his rookie season -- and limited the Wolves to a season-worst 29 baskets, sending them home with a three-game losing streak and a serious case of the doubts.