SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Kevin Garnett scored 17 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for his 14th straight double-double to lead Minnesota past Utah.

Sam Cassell, nearly ejected late in the third quarter, finished with 24 points and seven assists for Minnesota. Fred Hoiberg scored all the points in a 10-4 run as the Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota, which had lost its first two games against Utah this season, enters the All-Star break 37-15, one game behind Sacramento for first in the Western Conference.

Andrei Kirilenko had 21 points, nine rebounds and five blocks to lead the Jazz.

Rockets 102, Lakers 87

HOUSTON (AP) Yao Ming had 29 points and 11 rebounds, outplaying Shaquille O'Neal to lead Houston over Los Angeles.

The Rockets pulled away in the fourth quarter behind Yao, who scored 11 of Houston's last 15 points in the final 6:12. He hit five free throws and three field goals, including a hook over O'Neal.

O'Neal, who finished with 24 points and nine rebounds, fouled out with 3:20 to play. Kobe Bryant came off the injured list and scored 14 points for the Lakers. Gary Payton had 19.

MORE