Garnett offers endorsement of interim coach Sam Mitchell

LOS ANGELES (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett is offering his full endorsement of interim coach Sam Mitchell despite the losses from the young

LOS ANGELES (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett is offering his full endorsement of interim coach Sam Mitchell despite the losses from the young team.

Garnett spoke before the Timberwolves faced the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

Garnett approached the media to offer his evaluation of Mitchell, who has come under increasing scrutiny. After an 8-8 start, the Wolves have gone 6-27.

The veteran center says he backs Mitchell, the coaching staff and the organization.

Two weeks ago, Garnett declined to answer a question about the criticism surrounding Mitchell. Garnett has known Mitchell for 20 years and says he is excited about the progress he has seen from the team.

Garnett has missed five straight games with a leg injury.