Gary Trent took a pass from Kevin Garnett for the last of those points, then landed awkwardly and turned his left ankle. Trent crumpled to the court, and there was a timeout called with 8:50 remaining in the first period.

No Smith. Now, no Trent.

Could the Wolves maintain their energy against a force as irresistible as Shaq, Kobe Bryant and the rest of these Lakers?

Answer: yes.

Reason: Kevin Garnett.