GARNETT NAMED WESTERN CONFERENCE STARTER
- Minnesota Forward To Make Eighth All-Star Appearance -

Minneapolis/St. Paul – Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett has been voted to start for the 2005 Western Conference All-Star team, the National Basketball Association announced tonight in New York. Garnett finished second in the Western Conference and fifth overall in the league in fan voting with 2,087,200 votes. In his 10th season, Garnett will be making his eighth All-Star appearance, his seventh as a starter. The 2005 NBA All-Star Game will be played at Pepsi Center in Denver on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The All-Star Game will be broadcast on TNT, Rogers Sportsnet and on ESPN Radio.

"I'm truly thankful for all the great fans who put me in the position I'm in now," Garnett said. "I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to represent my family, the Timberwolves' organization and all the people of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. I appreciate the fans and I look forward to giving my best in the game."

The 10th-year veteran will be joined in the Western Conference starting lineup by San Antonio forward Tim Duncan, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and guard Tracy McGrady, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Garnett leads the NBA in rebounding (14.3) and point/rebound double-doubles (41) and ranks 12th in scoring (22.4 ppg), 20th in assists (6.0 apg), 13th in steals (1.54 spg) and 30th in blocks (1.35 bpg).

Garnett was named MVP of the 52nd NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 9, 2003 in Atlanta, scoring 37 points with nine rebounds and five steals in the West's 155-145 double-overtime win.

Eastern and Western Conference All-Star reserves will be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 8.