<div align="center"><font size="6">Western Conference Semifinals: GAME ONE</font> <font size="5">@</font> <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> VS <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> May 4 (Time: TBD) Target Center, Minneapolis, MN TV: TNT</div> <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="Magenta">Players & Stats</font></font></div> <div align="center"><font size="4">Probable Starters </font> <u>Backcourt</u> Mike Bibby 23.6RPG 3.6RPG 4.6APG Doug Christie 13.0PPG 8.8RPG 6.2APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Peja Stojakovic 18.2PPG 8.8RPG 1.4APG Chris Webber 19.4PPG 9.2RPG 4.0APG Vlade Divac 5.2PPG 3.8RPG 0.8APG <u>Reserves</u> Gerald Wallace 3.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.5APG Anthony Peeler 3.6PPG 2.2RPG 1.6APG Darius Songaila 4.0PPG 2.4RPG 0.2APG Rodney Buford 0.0PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Brad Miller 9.2PPG 8.2RPG 3.2APG Jabari Smith 1.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.0APG</div> <u><font size="3">Point Guard:</font></u> Mike Bibby LAST GAME: Recorded a game-high and playoff career-high 36 points (14-23 FG, 6-8 3pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, a team-high-tying eight assists, and five steals in 44 minutes on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 23.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.40 spg, and 40.4 mpg in five games. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged 18.4 ppg (.450 FG%, .392 3pt%, .815 FT%), 3.4 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.4 spg, and 36.3 mpg in starting all 82 games. <u><font size="3">Shooting Guard:</font></u> Doug Christie LAST GAME: Recorded 13 points (3-9 FG, 1-2 3pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, and a team-high-tying eight assists in 43 minutes on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 13.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.00 spg, and 42.2 mpg in five games. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged 10.1 ppg (.461 FG%, .345 3pt%, .860 FT%), 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.8 spg, and 33.9 mpg in starting all 82 games. <u><font size="3">Small Forward:</font></u> Peja Stojakovic LAST GAME: Recorded 23 points (10-17 FG, 2-5 3pt, 1-1 FT), a team-high 10 rebounds, one assist, and three steals in 44 minutes on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.60 spg, and 42.4 mpg in five games. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged a team-leading 24.2 ppg (.480 FG%, .433 3pt%, .927 FT%), 6.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg, and 40.3 mpg in starting all 81 games in which he has played in ... NBA suspension in one game (12/25). Awards: Named to the All-NBA Second Team (first of his career) ... Named Western Conference Player of the Week for games Dec. 8-14 ... Named Western Conference Player of the Month of November ... <u><font size="3">Power Foward:</font></u> Chris Webber LAST GAME: Recorded 13 points (5-15 FG, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in 35 minutes on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 19.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.20 spg, 1.60 bpg, and 37.0 mpg in five games. Top Single-Game Playoff Performance: Recorded first career playoff triple-double with 19 points (6-19 FG, 7-12 FT), a game-high 13 rebounds, a game-high 12 assists to go along with one steal and two blocks in 44 minutes on 4/20 vs. Dallas in Game 2. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged 18.7 ppg (.413 FG%, 1-5 3pt, .711 FT%), 8.7 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.3 spg, and 36.1 mpg in 23 games ... DND-CD - resting left knee in one game (3/7 at Orlando) ... Activated on 2/16 ... Missed eight games due to an NBA suspension (2/17-29) ... Missed 50 games while on IL (left knee surgery rehabilitation). Notes: Webber still isn't 100% and lacks lateral mouvement. He still has weak knees. <u><font size="3">Center:</font></u> Vlade Divac LAST GAME: Recorded two points (1-3 FG), one rebound, and one block in four minutes on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 5.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, and 14.4 mpg in five games. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged 9.9 ppg (.470 FG%, .154 3pt%, .654 FT%), 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg, and 28.6 mpg in starting all 81 games in which he played in ... NWT-stomach virus in one gmae (3/28) - only the sixth game Divac has missed since coming to Sacramento. <u><font size="3">6th Man:</font></u> Brad Miller LAST GAME: Recorded 21 points (10-14 FG, 1-2 3pt), five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks in 44 minutes off the bench on 4/29 vs. Dallas in Game 5. 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 9.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, and 26.8 mpg in five games. 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON: Averaged 14.1 ppg (.510 FG%, .316 3pt%, .778 FT%), a team-leading 10.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.2 bpg, and 36.4 mpg in 72 games (started 53 games) ... Averaged 14.9 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.3 bpg, and 38.3 mpg in 53 starts (Kings 40-13) ... DND-sprained right foot in seven games (2/ 17-27) ... DND-acute bursitis, right elbow in three games (3/31-4/4) ... Ejected one game (two technicals, 1/11 vs. Denver) ... Recorded two triple-doubles (11/21, 12/7). Notes: Brad Miller has been frustrated by foul troubles in a couple of games against Dallas. <font color="Magenta">Kings Playoff Statistical Leaders</font> Points Bibby 23.6 Rebounds Webber 9.2 Assists Christie 6.2 <u>Injuries Update</u> Bobby Jackson Abdominal KINGS VERSUS TIMBERWOLVES REGULAR SEASON SERIES FACTS All-Time Series: Series tied, 30-30 2003-04 Series: Timberwolves won, 3-1 Current Streak: Lost 3 Current Home Streak: Lost 2 Current Road Streak: Lost 1 Last Home Win: 3/5/03 (96-95, OT) Last Road Win: 11/5/03 (125-121, OT) Last Home Loss: 4/8/04 (94-86) Last Road Loss: 2/19/04 (92-75) <font color="Magenta">King's Game Notes</font> ADVANCING IN THE PLAYOFFS: With the 119-118 win over the Mavericks in Game 5, the Kings advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the fourth straight year. This will be the first postseason meeting between the Kings and the Timberwolves. CHRISTIE NAMED TO NBA ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM: Doug Christie joined Andrei Kirilenko (Utah), Tim Duncan (San Antonio), Theo Ratliff (Portland), and Jason Kidd (New Jersey) on the 2003-04 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, announced on April 26. Christie was named for the fourth straight season to the leagues all-defensive team. In his career, Christie has been voted to the all-defensive squad six times (1996-97, 1998-99, 2000-01 - 2003-04). During the 2003-04 regular season, Christie led the Kings in steals (1.84 spg), ranking fifth in the NBA. Among the Kings franchise leaders in steals, Christie ranks second (674), trailing only Sam Lacey (950). PEJA NAMED TO ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM: Peja Stojakovic joined Jermaine ONeal (Indiana), Ben Wallace (Detroit), Sam Cassell(Minnesota), and Tracy McGrady (Orlando) on the All-NBA Second Team, announced Sunday, April 25. Stojakovic led the Kings in scoring, posting a careerbest 24.2 points a game. He scored in double-figures in all 81 games he started and led the Kings in scoring 56 times. He finished tied for second in the league in scoring, first in free throw percentage (.927), and sixth in three-point field goal percentage (.433) and minutes (40.3 mpg). This is the 11th consecutive season in which a King was named to the All-NBA team. Mitch Richmond (1993-94 - 1997-98) was named to the All-NBA team five straight years before Chris Webber (1998-99 - 2002-03) garnered five straight All-NBA team selections. Stojakovics second-team selection is the first of his career. STOJAKOVICS FREE THROW STREAK: At the end of the regular season, Peja Stojakovic finished as the leagues top free throw shooter, making 93 percent of his charity stripe attempts. Stojakovic became the first King since Spud Webb (1994-95) to lead the NBA in free throw accuracy (.934). Since the March 23 game versus Milwaukee, a span of 12 games, Stojakovic has not missed from the free throw line, making 41 consecutive free throws. In 2002-03, Mike Bibby set a new franchise record with 51 consecutive free throws. Bibbys free throw streak came to an end in the final regular season game. Including the playoffs, Stojakovic has hit his last 52 free throw attempts. <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="DarkGreen">Players & Stats</font></font></div> <div align="center"><font size="4">Probable Starters</font> <u>Backcourt</u> Sam Cassell 20.6PPG 3.4RPG 4.4APG Latrell Sprewell 19.8 3.6RPG 3.2APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Trenton Hassell 7.4PPG 4.6RPG 2.4APG Kevin Garnett 25.8PPG 14.8 RPG 7.0 APG Ervin Johnson 3.2PPG 5.0RPG 0.8APG <u>Reserves</u> Fred Hoiberg 4.2PPG 1.8RPG 0.8APG Mark Madsen 1.8PPG 2.6RPG 0.0APG Darrik Martin 2.2PPG 0.4RPG 1.2APG Oliver Miller 0.3PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Michael Olowokandi 2.8PPG 2.6RPG 0.4APG Gary Trent 0.5PPG 0.3RPG 0.3APG</div> <u><font size="3">Point Guard:</font></u> Sam Cassell By scoring 40 points in his Wolves playoff debut, Sam Cassell becomes the sixth player in NBA history to tally 40+ in his first postseason outing with a team According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the last time that happened was on Apr. 25, 1997, when Shaquille O'Neal poured in 46 points for the Lakers in a 95-77 win over Portland and Rex Chapman tallied 42 points in Phoenix' 106-101 win at Seattle The other names on that list are Bob McAdoo (New York at Cleveland, 1978, 41 points), Bernard King (New York at New Jersey, 1983, 40 points) and Drazen Petrovic (New Jersey at Cleveland, 1992, 40 points) Set a playoff franchise record with his career-high-tying 40-point outing in Game 1 He's the seventh player in Wolves history to score 40+ points in a game; his 16 FGMs and 23 second-half points are club playoff bests, while his five three-pointers equaled a career high Ranks 14th in playoff scoring (19.3 ppg), 16th in assists (5.0 apg) and 8th in three-point accuracy (47.1%). He was well defended in rest of the games against the Nuggets and didn't score that much but in his last game he got 26 points. <u><font size="3">Shooting Guard:</font></u> Latrell Sprewell Latrell Sprewell finished 7-for-8 from three-point range in the Game 2 victory, setting a club single-game playoff record for treys made Anthony Peeler held the previous mark, hitting six in the Wolves' Game 5 loss at Seattle on May 2, 1998 Tied a playoff career high with his three blocks in Game 3 His 31-point effort in Game 2 is the sixth 30-point night of his playoff career, the first five coming with New YorkRanks 12th in playoff scoring at 20.0 ppg, while shooting 55.0% (11-for-20) from three-point range (4th in the NBA) Needs 35 points to reach 1000 for his playoff career. He has played very well but almost lost the game by missing 2 clutch free-throws. <u><font size="3">Small Forward:</font></u> Trenton Hassell His five steals in Game 4 tied a franchise single-game record originally set by Anthony Peeler (Apr. 28, 2001 vs. San Antonio) The 14-point effort was his first double-digit night since scoring 12 points vs. Portland on Mar. 14 Ranks 3rd in playoff FG accuracy (60.0%). He has played very well for the team and has been a big presence at the defensive end.In the series against the Nuggets. He contested every shot that Carmelo took and made him shoot very poorly. <u><font size="3">Power Foward:</font></u> Kevin Garnett Kevin Garnett tallied 20 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 2, collecting his third playoff triple-double and breaking his own postseason club record for rebounds (21 at Dallas, Apr. 21, 2002). It's also his third career playoff game with 20+ points and 20+ rebounds, and the second against Denver this postseason. In addition, his 20 defensive rebounds tie an NBA Playoff single-game record shared by Dave Cowens, Bill Walton and Tim Duncan. He has been playing very well but isn't shooting that well. He is shooting 45.4% from the field. In the regular season he shot 49.9%. <u><font size="3">Center:</font></u> Ervin Johnson His three assists in Game 1 equal a playoff career high. He has played well and has done all the dirty work, cleanning the glass, blocking shots, etc. He has played well on the defensive end. <u><font size="3">6th Man:</font></u> Michael Olowokandi. Totaled 22 minutes in two outings at Pepsi Center, after logging 22.0 mpg in Games 1 and 2. He has commited stupid fouls and hasn't played smart basketball. He has been in foul trouble in alot of games and hasn't played that well. <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolves Playoff Statistical Playoff Leaders</font> Points Garnett 25.8 Rebounds Garnett 14.8 Assists Garnett 7.0 <u>Injuries Update</u> Ndudi Ebi Knee Troy Hudson Ankle Surgery Wally Szczerbiak Back <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolve's Game Notes</font> CLOSING TIME: The Wolves outscored Sacramento 33-17 in the 4th period of their Apr. 8 win at ARCO Arena, improving to 8-15 when trailing with 12 minutes to play -- including 7-8 since mid-January. In that stretch, they also rallied for wins at New Orleans, San Antonio, Denver and the L.A. Lakers. Minnesota was also 50-9 when tied or ahead after three, having compiled an NBA-best 46-3 record in that category a year ago. A quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the Wolves' 2003-04 season: THREE-PRONGED ATTACK: Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell combined to score 66 points in the Mar. 29 triumph at Houston, making them the top-scoring trio in club history. They teamed up for 4965 points this season; the previous mark was established in 1990-91, when Tony Campbell, Tyrone Corbin and Pooh Richardson totaled 4551 points. Garnett, Cassell and Sprewell averaged a combined 60.8 ppg in 2003-04, scoring 64.0% of the Wolves' 7753 points overall. THREES ARE WILD: Latrell Sprewell finished 7-for-8 from three-point range in the Game 2 victory, setting a club single-game playoff record for treys made Anthony Peeler held the previous mark, hitting six in the Wolves' Game 5 loss at Seattle on May 2, 1998 Minnesota went 8-for-15 from beyond the arc as a team in Game 2, on the heels of a 6-for-12 Game 1 performance that was led by Sam Cassell's 5-for-6 effort Thus far, the Wolves rank 2nd among playoff teams in three-point accuracy, shooting 46.3% (25-for-54); they're 114-for-255 (44.7%) from inside the line Meanwhile, Denver went 12-for-24 (50.0%) in two Pepsi Center outings, after hitting 5-for-25 (20.0%) in two Target Center appearances Minnesota has held the Nuggets to 34.7% (17-for-49) from beyond the arc As a comparison, the Wolves had surrendered 39.6% (80-for-202) from three-point range in their previous two playoff series (2002 vs. Dallas, 2003 vs. the Lakers) ODDS & ENDS: Denver racked up a 53-36 rebounding advantage, including a 20-7 edge on the offensive glass that produced an 18-8 margin in second-chance points The Nuggets' 20 offensive rebounds are the most ever by a Wolves playoff opponent, while the 17-rebound margin represents Minnesota's biggest deficit since Houston posted a 58-36 advantage on Apr. 24, 1997 in the Wolves' playoff debut Denver's 95 FGAs are the most vs. Minnesota in a regulation playoff game; the Lakers put up 98 shots in the OT contest last Apr. 24 (a 114-110 Wolves win) Latrell Sprewell (25), Kevin Garnett (24) and Sam Cassell (10) provided 59 of Minnesota's 86 points on Saturday For the series, they've combined to score 69.5% of the Wolves' points (258 of 371); all three rank among the NBA's top 15 playoff scorers this season MARGINAL INFORMATION: Tuesday's final two-point spread represents the closest playoff game in club history, and comes on the heels of three straight double-digit margins to open the series Previously, the Wolves dropped a 91-88 decision to Portland in Game 1 of the 2000 Playoffs (Apr. 23 at the Rose Garden) Minnesota's narrowest win prior to Tuesday was last year's 114-110 OT Game 3 triumph over the Lakers on Apr. 24 at Staples Center The Wolves set a club single-game playoff record by holding Denver to 35.9% (33-for-92) shooting, eclipsing the 36.3% (33-for-91) shot by the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 a year ago (Apr. 22 at Target Center) Minnesota held Los Angeles below 40% in three consecutive playoff games last season; overall, they've recorded seven sub-40% defensive efforts, going 5-2 in those games INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Denver finished with a 60-26 scoring edge in the paint Saturday, the most points ever allowed by Minnesota in that category during the postseason (52 at Seattle, Apr. 24, 1998; 50 at the L.A. Lakers, Apr. 27, 2003) as well as the most against the Wolves in any game since Houston scored 62 on Jan. 31, 2003 at the Compaq Center. <font size="4">SEASON SERIES:</font> MINNESOTA 3, SACRAMENTO 1 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON RECAPS <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolves won, 3-1</font> <font color="Red">The Wolves were the only team to beat Sacramento twice at ARCO Arena this year. The Dec. 5 win ended Minnesota's six-game road slide (dating to Apr. 7, 2000) and was also the fourth straight OT game involving the Wolves and Kings -- the first time that's happened in NBA history. The all-time series is knotted at 30-30.</font> November 5, 2003 at Minnesota - Sac 125- Min121 OT Box score Peja Stojakovic scored 26 of his game-high 34 points after the half in helping the Kings to a 125-121 overtime win over the Timberwolves at the Target Center. The Kings had won just once in the previous 11 contests in Minnesota. Mike Bibbys lay-up with 11.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter tied the score at 110 and the Timberwolves were unable to get off a shot before time expired, sending the game into overtime. Stojakovics defensive rebound with 9.4 seconds left in overtime and his two free throws with 8.9 seconds remaining preserved the win. Five Kings scored in double-figures: Stojakovic (34), Bibby (22), Vlade Divac (19), Bobby Jackson (19), and Brad Miller (17). Divac also grabbed eight rebounds while handing out a team-high 10 assists. Minnesota was led by Kevin Garnetts 28 points and 11 rebounds. Sam Cassell added 26 points to go along with a game-high 14 assists. December 5, 2003 vs. Minnesota - Sac 109- Min 112 OT Box score Latrell Sprewell scored 37 points and Kevin Garnett added 33 points and a careerhigh 25 rebounds to help the Timberwolves hand Sacramento its first loss at home this season with a 112-109 overtime victory before a national television audience and a soldout ARCO Arena. The loss ruined a night in which the Kings retired Mitch Richmonds jersey and Brad Miller scored a career-high 35 points. Four Kings streaks came to an end: 10-game home win streak this season, a 17-game home win streak dating from last season, an eight-game overall win streak, and a sixgame win streak over the Timberwolves at ARCO Arena. The Kings led by six, 102- 96, with 29.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but Garnett nailed a trey to cut the lead in half with 26.8 seconds left in regulation. Miller was fouled and missed both free throw attempts with 25.7 seconds left. Garnett then hit another three-pointer to tie the score at 102. Bibby missed a shot at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime. In the overtime period, with the score tied at 106, Sprewell hit a jumper to give Minnesota the lead for good. Peja Stojakovic matched his season-high in rebounds with a team-high 11 boards. Garnett grabbed a career-high 25 rebounds, 23 on the defensive end, setting a new ARCO Arena record for most defensive rebounds in a game. This was the fourth consecutive overtime contest between the Kings and the Timberwolves, marking the first time in NBA history two teams had played four straight overtime games against each other. February 19, 2004 at Minnesota - Sac 75- Min 92 Box score In a matchup of the Western Conferences two best teams, Kevin Garnett tallied 22 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves over the Kings, 92-75, at the Target Center. The Wolves snapped the Kings five-game road win streak and lead the NBAs best offense to a season-low 75 points. Minnesota jumped out to a 17-6 lead to start the game and the Kings could not recover, shooting just 34 percent from the field. The Kings trailed by three, 63-60, to start the fourth quarter, but the Wolves outscored them, 29-15, in the final quarter. The Kings were led by Peja Stojakovics 15 points and Vlade Divacs eight rebounds. April 8, 2004 vs. Minnesota - Sac 86- Min 94 Box score Sam Cassell scored a game-high 29 points and Kevin Garnett added 24 points and 17 rebounds in leading the Midwest-leading Minnesota Timberwolves to a 94-86 victory over the Kings at ARCO Arena. The Kings held a eight-point lead (69-61) entering the fourth quarter, but struggled in the final 12 minutes, shooting just .238 (5-of-21) from the field. Sacramento trailed, 81-79, with 2:20 remaining, before Cassell hit a jumper and Ervin Johnson put back a miss for a six-point lead, 85-79, with 1:17 left to play. Sacramento was led by Chris Webbers 21 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Bibby added 19. Bobby Jackson returned to the Kings lineup after missing the last 23 games with an abdominal strain. Jackson finished with 10 points and two rebounds in 13 minutes of action off the bench. <u>Key Matchup</u> <font color="Magenta">Mike Bibby</font> / <font color="DarkGreen">Sam Cassell</font> Both players have come up big for their respective team and in clutch stituations. Mike Bibby has played very well in every game for the Kings even when playing with a small injury.Mike even scored a playoff career high 36 points in his last game. Sam Cassell had a playoff career high 40 points against the Denver Nuggets in game 1 but since then the Nuggets have tried very hard and succeeded to contain Sam thought out the rest of the series but he played better in his last game scoring 26 points. The point guard that has a better game will likely lead his team to a victory in this game. <u><font size="4">Key Factors </font> </u> <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> Penetration and mouvement. The guards have to move and penetrate into the paint. The players have sometimes stopped moving and just watch. That isn't there kind of plays. Sometimes when they pass it to Webber, they just let him play one-on-one against his man and try to score.That isn't very effective. Guard Sam Cassell. Don't let Sam get 40 points like he did in game 1 against Denver. Don't let him get hot or he will burn you. Peja Stojakovic. The team needs to get him open shots. Don't let him dribble and shoot. He was to get a pass and shoot. He isn't effective trying to beat his man off the dribble. Defense. They aren't the best at this won't play 48 minutes of defense but will need to play atleast a couple of minutes of strong defense against the Wolves if they want to win. Help Webber when KG has the ball and Webber is defending him. Webber still isn't 100% and his legs aren't what they use to be. He also lacks lateral mouvement. <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> The Big 3. KG, Sam and Spree will all need to play well to lead the team to a victory. They score a high percentage of the teams points. Trenton Hassell. He will need to defend Peja. Contest shots, get a hand in his face, do whatever he can to stop him. Trenton has done a great job on the defensive end all year. KG. Get KG the ball and he will likely score. Webber lacks lateral mouvement, so KG should be able to beat him off the dribble with his quickness. The Kings don't have a answer for KG yet. Production from the bench and role players. With Wally and Troy out, they will lack some firepower. Michael Olowokandi will need to play smarter and produce. He has gotten into foul troubles and commited stupid plays. Fred Hoiberg is now the best shooter the team has off the bench. So he will need to help on the offensive end. The tempo and style of the game. The wolves will want to play the game at their pace and style of game. <font color="Red">My prediction</font> Minnesota wins by 8. <font size="1">NBA.com</font>
Wow, I don't think I have ever seen a preview that went so in depth. Nice job. The first two games will tell a lot about this series. The Kings goal has to be to win one game in Minesota. If they can win one and steal homecourt advantage, they will be all tied up going back to Arco. Game 1: Wolves by 7.
Took me a looooong time to scroll through all that, but I'm impressed after reading it. Great analysis. The Twolves suffered a huge loss off the bench in the form of Sczerbiak. It'll be interesting to see how the TWolves cope with it, especially against a team with so much firepower like the Kings. Kings by 4.
A++ Preview Just-Magic! Wow, the TIMBERWOLVES ARE IN THE SECOND ROUND! WHOOOOO! WHOOO! WHOOOOO! WHOOO!
Great stuff!!! If there's a grade higher than A++, then that's what I'll give him on it!!! To me, one of the overlooked keys to this series will be how productive Kandi will be. He won't need to guard Nene & Camby, who are so much faster than he is. Against Miller & especially CWebb & Vlade, Kandi should do well. If he's able to support KG with his rebounding & shotblocking, this series has a chance of getting lopsided in favor of the good guys!!! I also think that Mad Dog will have a solid, though unspectacular, series, too. His defense & offensive rebounding will help out alot.
The key to the whole game, is hustle points. If Madsen rubs off on Lasprell, and especially Cassell, things will go very well. Like Fanatic said, Candy man needs to be productive, and we're going to need 12+ boards from him per 48. We're also going to need him to dive after some loose balls, and contest a few shots. If KG has a good game, Casell will have a good game. When Cassell has a good game, traditionally, so does Sprewell. It all starts with the bench getting the team going. As always, defense is where it starts. Big games from Garnett, Candy, and Hassell. Also, we're going to need to exploit CWebb's bum knee (or was it ankle?) and we'll need Garnett to drive alot, and wear him down, and keep him out of the game, so we can force Vlade to take the midrange jumper.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting red911racer1988:</div><div class="quote_post">The key to the whole game, is hustle points. If Madsen rubs off on Lasprell, and especially Cassell, things will go very well. Like Fanatic said, Candy man needs to be productive, and we're going to need 12+ boards from him per 48. We're also going to need him to dive after some loose balls, and contest a few shots. If KG has a good game, Casell will have a good game. When Cassell has a good game, traditionally, so does Sprewell. It all starts with the bench getting the team going. As always, defense is where it starts. Big games from Garnett, Candy, and Hassell. Also, we're going to need to exploit CWebb's bum knee (or was it ankle?) and we'll need Garnett to drive alot, and wear him down, and keep him out of the game, so we can force Vlade to take the midrange jumper.</div> Kandi shouldn't have much trouble being productive this series. I think his shotblocking will be terrific & his rebounding solid.
Guess im the only biased one here, Wolves are in the 2nd round for just the 1st time, Kings have been here long times and waiting more experice and know how important game 1 is Kings by 5
Timberwolves also know how important game 1 is. I believe that the Wolves will take 1, the Kings will take 2 and 3, the Wolves will take 4 and 5, Kings take 6, and Wolves take 7. Thats what I'm guessing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting deestillballin:</div><div class="quote_post">Guess im the only biased one here, Wolves are in the 2nd round for just the 1st time, Kings have been here long times and waiting more experice and know how important game 1 is Kings by 5</div> There's just a few flaws in that theory. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">The last I looked, the Kings didn't have anyone on their roster who'd contributed to winning an NBA Championship</font>. <font color="Red">The supposedly inexperienced T'Wolves have 2 players that contributed to hoisting the O'Brien Trophy in Sammy C & Mad Dog</font>. <font color="Red">The supposedly inexperienced T'Wolves also have Spree who's actually played in the NBA Finals. Ervin Johnson's recently played in the Eastern conference Finals with Sammy C, too.</font> I think Vlade's the only Kings' player that's played in the NBA Finals but I might be wrong on that. While it's true that the T'Wolf organization hasn't played in a WCF game or an NBA Championship game, they have more than a few players that've competed for the O'Brien Trophy. <font color="Red">Baiting is not allowed.--Rudeezy</font> [/CENTER]
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting deestillballin:</div><div class="quote_post">Guess im the only biased one here, Wolves are in the 2nd round for just the 1st time, Kings have been here long times and waiting more experice and know how important game 1 is Kings by 5</div> I dont know about that one. Cassell knows the important of the 1st game. Thats why he came out with such a shoot 1st atitude in game 1 vs Denver. He was trying to set a aggressive style of tempo for the wolves at home. And that aggressive style is what allowed the Wolves to capture game 1 & game 2, so easily vs Denver. I fully expect Cassell to try to set the same type of style in game 1 vs the Kings. And hopefully that will put them in position to pull out the 2 opening home games in this series. PS Just-Magic, you killed that preview. You making everybody, who makes previews on jbb go back to the lab. Great work. Looks like you did your homework.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting deestillballin:</div><div class="quote_post">Guess im the only biased one here, Wolves are in the 2nd round for just the 1st time, Kings have been here long times and waiting more experice and know how important game 1 is Kings by 5</div>I'm picking the Wolves to win game one but I am still sticking with my earlier prediction of the Kings winning this series.
I checked the season statistics for the final 3 games in the Kings-T'Wolves season series. I omitted the first game because Trenton Hassell wasn't playing much yet & we were trying to get 10 new players on the same page with KG & Gary Trent at the time. What I found are some stats that are pertinent to this series: 1. Mike Bibby averaged 15 ppg in the last 3 games of the season series while hitting 34.7% of his shots. 2. Peja averaged 15 ppg in those same 3 games, 9 below his season average of 24.2 ppg. 3. The Kings, who had one of highest team shooting percentages in the league, shot 38.3% in those final 3 games. 4. Finally, the Kings scored 90 ppg in the 3 T'Wolf wins. According to ESPN's standings page, the Kings averaged 102.8 ppg. What I see is that the T'Wolves have had alot of success defensively against the Kings, including a win at Target Center where they held the Kings to 75 points. Also, the T'wolves were the only team not to lose in Arco this season. These statistics give plenty of reasons for the T'Wolf fans to be optimistic. I know the Kings got alot of open looks & scored alot against Dallas but I don't think the Kings will get nearly the same amount of open shots against this T'Wolf defense as they got against the Mavs.
i just dont see the kings getting passed the wolves. the wolves match up with sac-town really well, and just like dirk, the kings have no answer for KG on the defensive end of the floor. yet KG can guard c-webb and miller. plus with c-webb's obvious struggles, he's not going to put up the numbers he did against the mavs. the nuggets managed to slow down cassell, but i dont see the kings defense (or lack of) hurting cassell's game that much. he's going to be more effective in thie series then against the nuggets, and that'll take some offensive presure off KG. what i think it boils down to, is the fact that the wolves can run with the kings, but also guard them. i dont think the kings can guard the wolves. the hassell/peja match-up is gonna be really interesting. hassell did a good job on melo, but lets face it...a rookie in the playoffs is a whole lot different then peja. it'll be interesting to see how he plays him
One thing that should be said is that this should be a fun series to watch. Both teams have some pretty skilled players capable of hitting open jumpers & making some pretty spectacular passes. Here are some of the games inside the game that I'll be enjoying: 1. Peja vs. Trenton- Peja's a great shooter but Trenton's been so solid against him & plenty of other premier SF's in the league. Peja's also developing the rest of his game, too. He'll be a true superstar in 2-3 years. 2. KG vs. some unlucky soul- KG's coming off his most dominant season & most dominant playoff series. In the series-clincher, KG made 4 or 5 shots that were well-defended, including a fallaway in the lane over Camby's outstretched hand & another similar shot over Doleac. I remember Dan Majerle saying that they'd done everything they could've done but that KG just simply hit those shots with the pressure on in the 4th quarter & the Nuggets just waiting for the T'Wolves to give them an opening. KG slammed that door shut with those 2 shots. 3. Spree D'ing up Mike Bibby- Spree's a pretty good perimeter defender & should give Bibby alot of grief. This is another of the pivotal matchups that'll help determine this series' winner.
Kings win game one. What a great game by the Kings, I was really suprised they were able to come into this series and make a statement like that. They now have the chance to put the Wolves back up against the wall with another win in Game 2. You can't like your chances being down 2-0 and heading into Arco. I cannot say enough about Doug Christie, wow.
I think if there was a vote for worst center in the playoffs Kandiman would get my vote. He is killing the Wolves right now. With all the great moves that Kevin Mchale made this offseason,its kind of sad that this is the move that may cost the wolves a championship. Kandiman isnt giving them anything on either end of the court. Where would the Timberwolves be without Ervin Johnson? Its to bad father time has passed him by. And he cant play that many minutes anymore. It makes you wonder how different this team would be with a younger Ervin Johnson from his Denver days or his early days with the Bucks. Ervin Johnson was never a great player. But he was close to a double-double guy. And that type of production at the center spot would make this team totally different. And a whole lot better. But anyway back to present day........... Kandiman sucks & he needs to get his act together. Brad Miller & Vlade made their pressence felt in game 1. Now its time for Kandi to make his pressence felt or the wolves will be going home. Mark Madsen is trying his hardest as the backup center. But it just isnt going to work. He really an undersized 4 thats trying to play the 5. Thats to much f a stretch even for a guy who puts in the effort level that Madsen does. Its time(actually its past time)for Kandiman to step up.
I think truly, Hassell will be our playoffs hero. Peja is just such an offensive monster, if he stops him, it's pretty much over. Bibby and Cassell is very entertaining and challenging, Bibby definitely has the youth advantage, but Cassell has so much bball smarts. Divac is too weak to help Webber out, it would have to be Miller and him along with Doug Christie to take him on. The key I believe is for them to play in "packs", by this I mean, grouping together in the paint with your teammates to fight for boards, especially for the Kings, KG is who they're up against. I think a good way for the Kings to win, is they have to pull away, they're such a great offensive team, it would be hard to catch up. Otherwise if they're too slow, clutchness, defense, speed and transition from the Timberwolves would murder them. That's the key for the entire series. Timberwolves by 9, especially if Peja is contained by Hassell.
I think truly, Hassell will be our playoffs hero. Peja is just such an offensive monster, if he stops him, it's pretty much over. Bibby and Cassell is very entertaining and challenging, Bibby definitely has the youth advantage, but Cassell has so much bball smarts. Divac is too weak to help Webber out, it would have to be Miller and him along with Doug Christie to take him on. The key I believe is for them to play in "packs", by this I mean, grouping together in the paint with your teammates to fight for boards, especially for the Kings, KG is who they're up against. I think a good way for the Kings to win, is they have to pull away, they're such a great offensive team, it would be hard to catch up. Otherwise if they're too slow, clutchness, defense, speed and transition from the Timberwolves would murder them. That's the key for the entire series. Timberwolves by 9, especially if Peja is contained by Hassell. That's how I see game 2 coming up.
Turnovers, occasional rebounding problems, and Bibby killed the Wolves. also, we won't be able to count on Trenton and Cassell to do so good in all the games, so Spree and KG will definately have to get back in form.
