Preview: Game 2 Kings @ Timberwolves <div align="center"><font size="7"><font color="Red">Western Conference: Semifinals GAME TWO</font></font> @ <font color="Magenta"><font size="4">Sacramento Kings</font></font> VS <font color="DarkGreen"><font size="4">Minnesota Timberwolves</font></font> May 8, 9:30 PM ET Target Center, Minneapolis, MN Nat. TV: ESPN, RSN Local TV: FSN, News10</div> <div align="center">2004 NBA PLAYOFFS - WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND SACRAMENTO LEADS MINNESOTA, 1-0 Game 1 Tuesday May 4 W, 104-98 Target Center <font color="Red">Game 2 Saturday May 8 Target Center </font> Game 3 Monday May 10 ARCO Arena Game 4 Wednesday May 12 ARCO Arena Game 5* Friday May 14 Target Center Game 6* Sunday May 16 ARCO Arena Game 7* Wednesday May 19 Target Center * if necessary</div> <font color="Red">GAME ONE </font> Boxscore PREVIEW (KINGS) and PREVIEW (WOLVES) GAME 1 ? May 4, 2004 ? Target Center ? W, 104-98 Mike Bibby scored 33 points and Doug Christie scored seven of his 13 points in the final minute as the Kings defeated the Timberwolves, 104-98, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at the Target Center. Sam Cassell launched seven three-pointers, finishing with a game-high 40 points, but MVP Kevin Garnett, who was presented with the award before the game, made six of 21 field goal attempts for 16 points to go along with a game with 18 rebounds. Sacramento led, 93-86, with 2:18 left to play before Minnesota cut the lead down to three, 95-92, with 1:08 remaining on Cassell?s back-to-back treys. Christie hit a three of his own followed by four free throw attempts to give the Kings a 102-95 advantage with 23.8 seconds left. Cassell hit the last of his seven three pointers (four three-pointers in the final 1:49) before Bibby sealed the win with two free throws. Brad Miller recorded a double-double with 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. <div align="center"> <font size="4"><font color="Magenta">Players & Stats</font></font> Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Mike Bibby 25.2PPG 4.2RPG 5.0APG Doug Christie 13.0PPG 7.5RPG 5.2APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Peja Stojakovic 17.5PPG 7.8RPG 1.7APG Chris Webber 18.7PPG 9.0RPG 4.2APG Vlade Divac 6.7PPG 4.2RPG 1.0APG <u>Reserves</u> Gerald Wallace 3.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.5APG Anthony Peeler 3.3PPG 2.5RPG 1.3APG Darius Songaila 4.0PPG 2.4RPG 0.2APG Rodney Buford 0.0PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Brad Miller 9.8PPG 8.5RPG 3.5APG Jabari Smith 1.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.0APG</div> <u>Head Coach:</u> Rick Adelman Kings Head Coach Rick Adelman has guided the Kings to the NBA Playoffs in each of his six years with the franchise. Adelman?s coaching highlights include a pair of NBA Finals appearances with the Trail Blazers in 1990 and 1992. Between the 1989-90 season and the 1992-93 campaign, Adelman led Portland to four consecutive 50-plus win seasons, including a league-best mark of 63-19 in 1990-91. He was runner-up for NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1990-91, the same season he coached the West Team in the NBA All-Star Game. He also has been named NBA Coach of the Month on three occasions. The 53-year-old Adelman played seven seasons in the NBA, primarily with the San Diego Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers, before closing out his career with the then Kansas City-Omaha Kings. Originally selected by the Rockets in the seventh round (#79 overall) of the 1968 NBA Draft, Adelman played two seasons in San Diego before being chosen by Portland in the 1970 NBA Expansion Draft. It was during the 1970-71 season that Adelman began his nearly 30-year professional friendship with Kings Vice President, Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. The duo formed the Trail Blazers? starting backcourt for three seasons (1970-71 ? 1972-73) with Adelman dishing out many of his assists to the sharp-shooting Petrie. Adelman averaged 7.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, and 3.5 apg in 462 career regular season NBA games. <u>Point Guard:</u> Mike Bibby LAST GAME: Recorded a team-high 33 points (10-21 FG, 3-8 3pt, 10-12 FT), seven rebounds, a game-high-tying seven assists, four steals, and one block in 45 minutes in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging a team-leading 25.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.0 apg, 2.7 spg, and 41.2 mpg in starting all six postseason games ... Averaged 23.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.40 spg, and 40.4 mpg in five games versus Dallas in the first round. Top Single-Game Playoff Performance: 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 in Game 5 vs. Dallas (4/29). 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>Shooting Guard:</u> Doug Christie LAST GAME: Recorded 13 points (4-11 FG, 1-3 3pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, two steals, and one block in 38 minutes in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 13.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg, and 41.5 mpg in starting all six postseason games ... Averaged 13.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.00 spg, and 42.2 mpg in five games versus Dallas in the first round. 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>Small Foward:</u> PEJA STOJAKOVIC LAST GAME: Recorded 14 points (5-15 FG, 0-4 3pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 40 minutes in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 17.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.7 spg, and 42.0 mpg in starting all six postseason games ... Averaged 18.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.60 spg, and 42.4 mpg in five postseason games versus Dallas in the first round. 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>Power Foward:</u> Chris Webber LAST GAME: Recorded 15 points (6-16 FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 38 minutes in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.7 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.5 bpg, and 37.2 mpg in starting all six postseason games ... Averaged 19.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.20 spg, 1.60 bpg, and 37.0 mpg in five games versus Dallas in the first round. 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). <u>Center:</u> Vlade Divac LAST GAME: Recorded 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, and one block in 25 minutes in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 6.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, and 16.2 mpg in starting all six postseason games ... Averaged 5.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, and 14.4 mpg in five games versus Dallas in the first round. 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>6th Man:</u> Brad Miller LAST GAME: Recorded 13 points (3-4 FG, 7-9 FT), a team-high 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes off the bench in Game 1 at Minnesota (5/4). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 9.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, and 27.8 mpg in coming off the bench in all six postseason games... Averaged 9.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, and 26.8 mpg in five games versus Dallas in the first round. 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). Injuries Update Bobby Jackson Abdominal Kings' Statistical Leaders Points Bibby 25.2 Rebounds Webber 9.0 Assists Christie 5.2 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) IN THE 2004 NBA PLAYOFFS, THE KINGS ARE: 2-0 ... leading at the half 0-0 ... tied at the half 3-1 ... trailing at the half 3-0 ... leading after three quarters 2-0 ... tied after three quarters 0-1 ... trailing after three quarters 3-0 ... scoring 100+ points 2-1 ... scoring under 100 points 2-1 ... allowing opponent to score 100+ points 3-0 ... holding opponent to under 100 points 1-0 ... outrebounding opponent 0-0 ... tied with opponent in rebounding 4-1 ... outrebounded by opponent 3-0 ... bench outscores opponent 0-0 ... benches are tied 2-1 ... bench outscored by opponent bench 2-1 ... committing 15 or more turnovers 3-0 ... committing under 15 turnovers 4-0 ... outshooting opponent 0-0 ... tied FG% with opponent 1-1 ... outshot by opponent 2-0 ... shooting .500 or better from the field 3-1 ... shooting under .500 from the field 0-0 ... opponent shoots .500 or better from the field 5-1 ... opponent shoots under .500 from the field 4-0 ... outshooting opponents in 3pt FG% 1-1 ... outshot by opponents in 3pt FG% 2-0 ... shooting .500 or better in 3pt FG% 2-0 ... outshooting opponents in FT% 3-1 ... outshot by opponents in FT% 5-0 ... shooting .700 or better in FT% 1-1 ... shooting 30 or more free throws 2-0 ... five players score in double-figures 2-0 ... six players score in double-figures 0-0 ... seven players score in double-figures 1-1 ... two players score 20 or more points 2-0 ... three players score 20 or more points 0-0 ... four players score 20 or more points 0-0 ... two players score 30 or more points 1-0 ... two players record double-doubles 1-0 ... three players record double-doubles 1-0 ... a player records a triple-double 0-0 ... recording 30 or more assists <font color="Magenta">Kings' Game Notes</font> The Kings are now 6-1 in Game 1s over their past three playoff seasons, the lone setback coming to the Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference Finals (Los Angeles went on to win that series in seven games). STOJAKOVIC?S FREE THROW STREAK: Including the playoffs, Peja Stojakovic has hit his last 56 free throw attempts. Stojakovic, the league?s top free-throw shooter, finished the 2003-04 regular season making his last 41 free throw attempts. In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, Stojakovic has made all 15 of his free throw attempts. During the regular season, Stojakovic made 93 percent of his charity stripe attempts, becoming the first King since Spud Webb (1994-95) to lead the NBA in free throw accuracy (.934). In 2002-03, Mike Bibby set a new franchise record with 51 consecutive free throws. Bibby?s free throw streak came to an end in the final regular season game. BIBBY - LOVIN? PLAYOFF TIME: Mike Bibby is averaging a career playoff-high 25.2 points a game in this season?s playoffs. Bibby experienced his first taste of playoff basketball in the 2002 NBA Playoffs with the Kings, after playing for the Vancouver Grizzlies for the first three seasons of his NBA career. Bibby has scored 20 or more points in 18 of his 32 career playoff games. Twice in this year?s playoffs Bibby has scored 30 or more points (back-to-back games - Game 5 vs. Dallas and Game 1 at Minnesota). Here?s a breakdown of what Bibby has done in the last three years in the playoffs: 2002 Year 20.3PPG 5.0APG .444FG% .4243PT% .826FT% 16G 2003 Year 12.7PPG 5.0APG .422FG% .2823PT% .794FT% 12G 2004 Year 25.2PPG 5.0APG .482FG% .4843PT% .857FT% 6G COME-FROM-BEHIND VICTORIES: During the 2003-04 regular season, the Kings won 13 games when trailing by double-figures. The largest deficit the Kings came back to win is 17 - three times, 12/23 vs. Memphis, 3/19 at Indiana, and 3/21 vs. Houston. The Kings fought back to win, 107-102, on 12/14 vs. Phoenix after trailing by 13 points in the fourth quarter (92-79 to start the fourth quarter). It was the largest deficit in the fourth quarter the Kings had to rally from. <div align="center"> <font color="DarkGreen"><font size="4">Players & Stats</font></font> Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Sam Cassell 23.8PPG 3.3RPG 4.5APG Latrell Sprewell 17.3PPG 3.8RPG 3.3APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Trenton Hassell 9.0PPG 4.7RPG 1.5APG Kevin Garnett 24.2PPG 15.3RPG 7.0 APG Ervin Johnson 3.7PPG 5.5RPG 1.2APG <u>Reserves</u> Fred Hoiberg 4.8PPG 2.0RPG 1.4APG Mark Madsen 2.5PPG 2.5RPG 0.0APG Darrik Martin 1.8PPG 0.3RPG 1.0APG Oliver Miller 0.3PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Michael Olowokandi 2.3PPG 2.8RPG 0.3APG Gary Trent 0.5PPG 0.3RPG 0.3APG</div> <u>Head Coach:</u> Phil "Flip" Saunders Finishing his eighth full year on the Wolves bench, having now led Minnesota to eight straight playoff berths and seven consecutive .500+ records, including last season's club-record 51-31 mark? Named the Western Conference Coach of the Month for February 2003 -- the third time he's earned those honors (January 2001, January 2000) -- guiding Minnesota to a league-best 12-1 mark... Directed the Wolves to a 50-32 mark in 2001-02; his other yearly records include 47-35 in 2001-02, 50-32 in 1999-2000, 25-25 in 1998-99, 45-37 in 1997-98, and 40-42 in 1996-97? Coached his 500th Wolves game on Mar. 5, 2002 at Seattle? Coached USA Basketball's gold-medal-winning entry in the 2001 Goodwill Games, held in Brisbane, Australia? Was named head coach on Dec. 18, 1995, taking over from Bill Blair, and finished his first year at the helm (1995- 96) with a 20-42 mark? The Wolves are 386-300 (.563) under his tutelage, after compiling a 132-380 (.258) record prior to his arrival? Joined the Timberwolves organization on May 11, 1995 as general manager? Coached seven seasons in the Continental Basketball Association, where he is the fifth all-time winningest coach with 253 victories? Won two CBA titles (1990 and 1992) with the La Crosse Catbirds? Coached the Rapid City (SD) Thrillers in 1988-89, the La Crosse (WI) Catbirds from 1989-94 and the Sioux Falls (SD) Skyforce in 1994-95? Was an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota (1981-86) and the University of Tulsa (1986-88)? Was head coach at Golden Valley (MN) Lutheran College from 1977-81 where he compiled a 92-13 record, including a perfect 56-0 mark at home? Played four years at the University of Minnesota? In his senior season, he teamed with freshman Kevin McHale to lead the Golden Gophers to an all-time school-best 24-3 record? Grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio, and was an All-America basketball player at Cuyahoga Heights High School? As a senior in 1973, he was named Ohio's Class A High School Basketball Player of the Year, posting a state-high average of 32.0 ppg. <u>Point Guard:</u> Sam Cassell Game 1: 40 pts (15-25 FG, 7-11 3pt), 3 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl Postseason: Matched his own playoff franchise scoring record with his career-high-tying 40-point outing in Game 1; he led off with a 40-point night vs. Denver, as well? Tallied 30 points in the 2nd half on Tuesday, tying the highest-scoring half in club history (regular season or playoffs), a mark shared by Tony Campbell and Chauncey Billups? All seven of his three-pointers came after intermission, one shy of the NBA Playoff record for a half (Vince Carter vs. Philadelphia, 2001); the seven treys tie Latrell Sprewell's playoff singlegame club record? Ranks 6th in playoff scoring (23.8 ppg) and 2nd in three-point accuracy (54.8%). <u>Shooting Guard:</u> Latrell Sprewell Game 1: 5 pts ( 2-14 FG, 1-7 3pt), 5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl Postseason: Hitting just 16.0% (4-for-25) in two Game 1s, compared to 49.3% (33-for-67) in the other four contests? His 31-point effort in Game 2 vs. Denver is the sixth 30-point night of his playoff career, the first five coming with New York? His seven treys in Game 2 against the Nuggets set a Wolves playoff record; Anthony Peeler hit six at Seattle on May 2, 1998? Currently ranks 9th in playoff three-point accuracy at 46.9% (15-for-32)? Needs 30 points to reach 1000 for his playoff career. <u>Small Forward:</u> Trenton Hassell Game 1: 17 pts ( 8-13 FG, 1-1 FT), 5 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk Postseason: His 17-point outing in Game 1 is his high in a Wolves uniform? Meanwhile, his five steals in Game 4 at Denver tied a franchise playoff single-game record originally set by Anthony Peeler (Apr. 28, 2001 vs. San Antonio)? Currently ranks 4th in playoff FG accuracy at 58.1% (25-for-43). He has done a great job on Peja at the perimeter but Peja has a size advantage and has overpowered him. <u>Power Foward:</u> Kevin Garnett Game 1: 16 pts ( 6-21 FG, 4-4 FT), 18 reb, 7 ast, 1 blk, 6 TO MVP NUMBERS: On Monday (May 3), Wolves forward Kevin Garnett was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for 2003-04, earning 120 of a possible 123 first-place votes. Garnett finished with 71 point/rebound double-doubles, the most in the NBA since Hakeem Olajuwon notched 72 in 1992-93. He also hauled in the league's most defensive rebounds since Dennis Rodman in 1993-94, and was one of just four players this season with both 100+ blocks and 100+ steals. Postseason: Has led the Wolves in both rebounds and assists in seven straight playoff games, a run dating to Game 6 vs. Los Angeles last year? Saw his string of 14 consecutive postseason double/doubles ended in Game 5 vs. Denver? The Game 2 effort against the Nuggets was the third playoff triple-double of his career; his 22 rebounds are a playoff career high, while his 20 defensive rebounds equal an NBA Playoff single-game mark shared by Dave Cowens, Bill Walton and Tim Duncan? The Game 1 outing vs. Denver was his second career 30-point/20-rebound playoff night; he's one of just four active players with 30/20s to their postseason credit (S. O'Neal 8, Duncan 4, Malone 3)? Leads all playoff participants in rebounding (15.3 rpg) and ranks 4th in scoring (24.2 ppg), 6th in assists (7.0 apg) and 9th in blocks (1.83 bpg). He hasn't been shooting that well. He shot 6-21 in game 1 and he is currently shooting 42.6% from the field in the playoffs compared to his 49.9% fg%in the regular season. <u>Center:</u> Ervin Johnson Game 1: 6 pts ( 3- 4 FG, 0-0 FT), 8 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl Postseason: His three assists in Game 1 match a playoff career high? His season-high 37-minute stint in Game 4 at Denver marked just the third time this year he's logged 30+ minutes. He has helped alot. Getting rebounds and playing defense. <u>6th Man:</u> Michael Olowokandi Postseason: Logged 22.0 mpg in the opening two contests vs. Denver, but has dipped to 12.0 mpg in four games since? Has gone scoreless while committing seven TOs in the last three games (37 minutes). He will need to contribute more or the Wolves will lose this series. Injuries Update Ndudi Ebi Knee Troy Hudson Ankle Surgery Wally Szczerbiak Back Timberwolves' Statistical Leaders Points Garnett 24.2 Rebounds Garnett 15.3 Assists Garnett 7.0 <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolves' Game Notes</font> POSTSEASON CHART: Tuesday's loss dropped Minnesota to 1-8 all-time in series openers (1-2 at Target Center). Each of the Wolves' previous eight playoff series have been claimed by the Game 1 victor, including this year's first-round triumph over Denver. THE NORTH 40: Sam Cassell poured in a career-high-tying 40 points -- a franchise-record 30 in the 2nd half alone -- in Game 1 vs. Sacramento, his second 40-point effort of the 2004 Playoffs. In addition, Kevin Garnett's 18-rebound night against the Kings gives him three of the top five single-game performances to date in this year's playoffs. INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Minnesota committed 18 miscues in Tuesday's loss to Sacramento, on the heels of a club-playoff-record 21-TO night in the Game 5 clincher vs. Denver. The Wolves are averaging 19.0 TOs in their last three games and 16.7 per outing in the playoffs thus far; they were 2nd during the regular season in fewest TOs (12.7 per night). THREES ARE WILD: Minnesota continued its prolific three-point shooting, finishing Game 1 at 10-for-25 -- highlighted by a 7 for-11 effort from Sam Cassell? All seven of Cassell's treys came after halftime, matching the 2nd-highest one-half total in NBA Playoff history (Vince Carter had eight vs. Philadelphia in 2001)? The Wolves' 25 three-point tries Tuesday are a 2004 postseason high in the league; they're averaging 15.0 shots per game from beyond the arc, after attempting 10.9 treys per night during the regular season? Minnesota has shot 40%+ from three-point range in each of its six postseason contests to date, and leads the NBA in playoff three-point accuracy at 46.7% (42-for-90)? Should it hold up, that percentage would be the 2nd-best mark in NBA Playoff history; Dallas shot 51.7% (30-for-58) during a 10-game postseason run in 1986? NO FREE LUNCH: Minnesota was outscored 30-10 from the free-throw line in Game 1; the Wolves' 12 FTAs established a new club playoff single-game low (13 at Houston, Aug. 26, 1997)? Minnesota enjoyed a 95-59 scoring advantage from the line in its first-round matchup with Denver, including a 27-6 cushion in the seriesclinching Game 5 at Target Center? Over their past two playoff seasons, the Wolves have gone 5-1 when scoring 20+ points from the line (1-5 when tallying fewer than 20)? Meanwhile, Minnesota notched a 48-39 rebounding margin vs. Sacramento on Tuesday, helping to compile a 29-16 edge in second-chance points? The Wolves outrebounded Denver only once in five first-round contests, facing an average -3.0 rpg deficit? A RARE OCCURRENCE: Sacramento's 104-point outing Tuesday represents the most points permitted by the Wolves at home since Houston posted a 112-109 victory on Mar. 5? Since the Rockets' effort, the highwater mark for 12 ensuing Target Center guests had been 92 points; the Wolves gave up just 84.0 ppg in those 12 games? Overall, Minnesota kept its last 10 regular-season opponents below 100 points (83.8 ppg), but is allowing 92.8 ppg thus far in the playoffs? Minnesota established a franchise record by allowing 100+ points on just 11 occasions (5th-best in the NBA); their previous low in that category was 29, set in 2002-03? Sacramento cracked the Century Mark twice in four regular-season meetings with the Wolves, going for 125 on Nov. 5 at Target Center and 109 on Dec. 5 at ARCO Arena; both of those games went into OT? SEASON SERIES: MINNESOTA 3, SACRAMENTO 1 2003-04 REGULAR SEASON RECAPS Timberwolves won, 3-1 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. November 5, 2003 at Minnesota - Sac 125- Min121 OT Boxscore 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 Bibby?s 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. Stojakovic?s 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 Garnett?s 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 Boxscore 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 Richmond?s 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 Boxscore In a matchup of the Western Conference?s 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 NBA?s 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 Stojakovic?s 15 points and Vlade Divac?s eight rebounds. April 8, 2004 vs. Minnesota - Sac 86- Min 94 Boxscore 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 Webber?s 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. <div align="center"><u>Key Matchup</u> <font color="Magenta">Mike Bibby</font> / <font color="DarkGreen">Sam Cassell</font> They won't be guarding each other alot in this game. Doug Christie will probably guard Sam and Latrell Sprewell will guard Mike. In game 1, both players shot the lights out and are playing very well. Bibby scored a team high 33 points and Cassell tied a playoff career high 40 points. That was the secong time he scored 40 points in this years postseason and were both in the first games of the series against Denver and Sacramento. Both teams will need to try to guard their opponents point guards. Which player plays better will probably win.</div> <font size="4"><font color="Red">Key Factors</font></font> <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> <u>Rebounds.</u> They were outrebounded 48 to 39. They have been outrebounded alot of times. They will need to focus more on rebounding. <u>Defend the perimeter.</u> The Wolves have been pretty hot from the 3 point line. They are a very good perimeter shooting team. They shot 10-25 from the 3pt line. So that will be a concern for the Kings to try and stop them from shooting that well. <u>Contain Cassell.</u> He scored 40 points for the second time in this playoffs. He was a big reason for why game 1 was so close. He has to be contained. On pick and rolls the big men have to step out and contest his shots. <u>Double teaming KG.</u> Sacramento swarmed Garnett with double-teams, even on some occasions when he did not have the ball. He tried to play through it but made just 6-of-21 shots while committing six turnovers. So that was pretty effective. They might do that again. Don't let KG get hot and the King's will have a better chance of winning. <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves </font> <u>Limit turnovers.</u> They had 18 turnovers and are averaging 19.0 TOs in their last three games and 16.7 per outing in the playoffs thus far; they were 2nd during the regular season in fewest TOs (12.7 per night). They are usualy very great a taking care of the ball. They will have to limit turnovers to win this game. <u>Getting to the line.</u> Minnesota was outscored 30-10 from the free-throw line in Game 1. They only attempted 12 free throws. They will need to get to the line more often. That will be a key factor for sucess in the playoffs.Over their past two playoff seasons, the Wolves have gone 5-1 when scoring 20+ points from the line (1-5 when tallying fewer than 20). <u>Three pointers.</u> Minnesota continued its prolific three-point shooting, finishing Game 1 at 10-for-25 ? highlighted by a 7-for-11 effort from guard Sam Cassell. The Wolves have shot 40%+ from three-point range in each of their six postseason contests to date, and lead the NBA in playoff three-point accuracy at 46.7% (42-for-90). If they can keep this up, they will have a better chance of winning. <u>Contain Mike Bibby.</u> He has been hot. Sacramento guard Mike Bibby recorded his second consecutive 30-point outing, following up his playoff career-best 36-point night in Game 5 vs. Dallas (April 29) with a 33-point performance Tuesday at Target Center. They're his first two 30+ efforts ever in the postseason (34 games); Bibby has been the Kings' leading scorer in each of the past five games, and ranks second among NBA Playoff scorers (25.2 ppg). He has to be contained or the Wolves will have a slim chance of winning this game and the series. <u>Olowokandi. </u> He will have to contribute more and produce. Flip Saunders hasn't played him very often anymore. Flip has played Mark Madsen more. He hasn't been helping the Wolves alot in the playoffs. He will be needed alot in this series. <u>The Big three.</u> Only Sam Cassel of the Big three shot well. He scored 40 points but the other 2, KG and Spree, only scored 21 points on 8-41 shooting from the field. But they got 17 points from Trenton who is more know for his defense. They found production from Ervin, Mark and Fred. <font color="Red">My prediction</font> To me this is a must win for the Wolves. Only 7 teams have won a series when they were down 0-2 and it will be even harder to win this series at the Arco center. I predict that the Wolves win by 7. <font size="1">NBA.com</font>
Early must win for the timberwolves imo. No way, you want to go into Arco down 0-2. The Timberwolves need points in the Paint. Kandiman is garbage so I dont expect it to come from him. So KG is going to have to set up in the Low block alot more in game 2. And tnt boardcaster said something that I totally agree with. KG takes to much fadeaway suff in the low block. He needs be more aggressive in the low block. Cassell needs to act like he is trying on Defense. He wont have to guard Bibby most likely but if he lets Christie get off then it defeats the purpose. Make some open shots. I am pretty sure Sacro will come with the same apporoach as they did in game 1. Double KG when he gets the ball in the low block. And double Cassell as much as possible as he dribbles off screens. That means Hassell, Spree & even Fred will be open for shots all night. I dont think Spree should settle for those open looks the Kings give him,he needs to still try to get to the basket when ever possible, similiar to what Hassell did in the 1st half of game 1. Hassell needs to continue to be aggressive. If the Kings arent going to guard him he needs to continue to put the ball on the floor & get to the hoop. And Hoiberg jumpshot should come,if he gets the same type of looks in game 2 that he got in the 1st game. Hopefully Madsen & EJ will continue to get some scrappy baskets by the working the boards. And the t-wolves defense cant allow 100pts again. The Wolves need to play this series around the 90pt area.
Even though Vlade Divac didnt finish the game strong but he deffinantly started the game strong I think he had 10 points in the first quarter.For the T-Wolves to win, all three of their stars have to perform well,it seems Spree wants to take game 1 off of each series and that will hurt the Wolves later in this series.
Sprewell needs to show up this game and Garnett needs to shoot better. We can't count on Cassell getting 40 everytime. Wolves win this one.
The WOlves cont go down 2-0 to the Kings. KG needs to shoot better and Spree needs better looks and doesn't need to shoot as much. Defense needs to be more productive as well.
Back Up In This!!! we needed this win and we got it. we played a pretty good game until the start of the 4th. our defense just disappeared, i honestly thought da game was over when sac went on that run. but it says a lot about da twolves that with 4 mins left and down by 10 they came back and got da win. main points: KG stepped up in the 4th, demanding the ball and GOING TO THE HOLE! when he goes to the hole, good things happen: either he makes the shot, gets fouled or someone else opens up for a shot. we were much more aggressive this time around as opposed to gm 1, and our defense (minus the 1st half of da 4th qtr) was very good. i like Spree on Bibby...good adjustments all around by Flip. we're a good road team, needless to say we gotta get 1 in Arco. da wolves showed a lot out there tonight, its anybody's series. GO WOLVES! BTW, Kandi is USELESS!
KG didn't do nothing in the last 3 minutes. Credit goes to Kings' being retarded, minnesota being lucky, and Cassell being clutch like always. Plus, Sprewell....can u say SCURRDDD?
Just-Magic isn't a mod yet. Talk about dedication baby. Anyways, good comeback by the Wolves and showed they had a lot of heart.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Yugoslavia:</div><div class="quote_post">KG didn't do nothing in the last 3 minutes. Credit goes to Kings' being retarded, minnesota being lucky, and Cassell being clutch like always. Plus, Sprewell....can u say SCURRDDD?</div> KG didn't do anything? When he was on the bench getting some rest, the Wolves were completely losing the game. When he came back into the game, he help the team make a comeback to win the game. He didn't take too many shots but his presence on the floor was felt by his teammates and lead them to a victory. That is why he is the MVP. Anyway, it was a great game for the Wolves. I was getting worried in the 4th quarter but they made a big comeback and won the game. Fred Hoiberg came up big for the team. He started a run earlier in the game and made the biggest rebound of the game at the last seconds of the game and made clutch free throws to seal the win. Sam came up big in clutch time too. But one thing that needs to improve is Olowokandi, he wasn't contributing that much. He did make some plays but he has to improve alot for the Wolves to win a championship.
bill walton was rite Kandi is a joke...this guy looks like he has no clue what hes doin on the floor....only thing i seen him do was grab rebounds and he almost lost them too (it slipped out of his hands twice when i was watching) hes hurting the wolves....and he was the 1st pick in the 99 draft
If 'Spree remains cold and scared combined with Peja finally waking up, I think our chances might just suddenly become really slim. Their defense has become scary, it's unbelievable what playoffs do to players and teams. Great preview Just-Magic, very informative. I look forward to your one for game 3, I just hope you think the Timberwolves come out on top.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Just-Magic:</div><div class="quote_post">KG didn't do anything? When he was on the bench getting some rest, the Wolves were completely losing the game. When he came back into the game, he help the team make a comeback to win the game. He didn't take too many shots but his presence on the floor was felt by his teammates and lead them to a victory. That is why he is the MVP. </div> When Bo Outlaw plays, he's felt on the floor. I'm not hating, I like KG, but Sam Cassell is taking over games. MVP's are supposed to do that, all I'm saying.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Yugoslavia:</div><div class="quote_post">When Bo Outlaw plays, he's felt on the floor. I'm not hating, I like KG, but Sam Cassell is taking over games. MVP's are supposed to do that, all I'm saying.</div> KG has said, and I agree, that he's a full basketball player. He doesn't score all of the time, but being smart enough to get the ball to the hot man is another piece of his game. He also helps us win the game because of his D, if we trade baskets for the last two minutes, do we win? Hustle plays, Miller's foul on KG gives us another possesion. He has so many strengths game that it shows his dimensions. That's why it's Valuable Player and not Valuable Scorer.
