<div align="center"><font size="7">Western Conference: Semifinals GAME FOUR</font> <font size="6">@</font> <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> VS <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> May 12, 10:30PM ET ARCO Arena TV: ESPN, RSN</div> <div align="center">2004 NBA PLAYOFFS - WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND Minnesota leads 2-1 Game 1 Tuesday May 4 Sac 104-Min 98 Target Center TNT Game 2 Saturday May 8 Sac 89-Min 94 Target Center Game 3 Monday May 10 Min 114-Sac 113 (OT) ARCO Arena <font color="Red">Game 4 Wednesday May 12 ARCO Arena </font> 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 GAME 1: May 4, 2004, Target Center, Sacramento 104, Minnesota 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. <font color="Red">GAME TWO</font> Boxscore Preview GAME 2: May 8, 2004, Target Center, Sacramento 89, Minnesota 94 Kevin Garnett pumped in 28 points, and Sam Cassell scored eight of his 19 in the final three minutes as the Timberwolves rallied for a 94-89 victory over Sacramento on Saturday night at Target Center. Both teams struggled from the floor to start, with Minnesota's 2-for-11 beginning countered by a 3-for-16 Kings effort. The Wolves ended the first quarter ahead 17-12, and stretched that to 41-27 in the second when Fred Hoiberg scored eight unanswered points to cap a 10-0 surge. Garnett's last-second basket gave Minnesota a 49-39 halftime cushion, but the Kings closed to within two on Mike Bibby's jumper. A three-point play by Chris Webber cut the margin to 64-63 with four minutes left in the third, and Sacramento finally passed the Wolves when Peja Stojakovic's dunk made it 74-73 in the midst of an 11-0 push. Minnesota started the fourth quarter 0-for-9 from the floor before Cassell's jumper broke the ice with 6:29 remaining. A layup by Doug Christie put the Kings in front 88-78 with 4:11 to play, their biggest lead of the evening. However, Latrell Sprewell ignited a 13-0 outburst that included three jumpers by Cassell, and Garnett reclaimed the lead for Minnesota with 1:45 left. Sacramento ended the game missing its last eight shots, including Christie's game-tying 3-point attempt with 11 seconds remaining, and Hoiberg sealed it from the free-throw line. Garnett and Ervin Johnson grabbed 11 rebounds apiece for the Wolves, with Garnett blocking a club playoff-record six shots. Stojakovic led the Kings with 26 points and Chris Webber added 21. <font color="Red">GAME THREE</font> Boxscore Preview Game 3: Monday, May 10 ? Minnesota 114, Sacramento 113 (OT) Kevin Garnett had 30 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, and the Timberwolves squandered a 13-point lead in the final two minutes of regulation before claiming a 114-113 overtime victory over Sacramento on Monday night at ARCO Arena. Down four six minutes into the contest, Minnesota used a 16-4 surge to jump in front 22-18 after one quarter. The second period featured nine ties before the Wolves outscored Sacramento 8-3 in the last three minutes, drawing even at 46-46 on Sam Cassell's jumper. Doug Christie had 14 points in the third period as the Kings edged ahead 62-59, but a three-point play by Garnett ignited a 20-7 outburst that helped Minnesota take a 10-point lead into the fourth. The Wolves held Sacramento scoreless for over three minutes in building its margin to 92-77 on Garnett's jumper with 6:33 left, and Minnesota remained ahead by 13 when Garnett struck again with 3:45 to play for a 100-87 advantage. The Kings' comeback began with Peja Stojakovic's jumper at the 2:00 mark, and Mike Bibby followed with a trey. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Bibby and Stojakovic whittled the margin to 101-99 with 31 seconds left, and Chris Webber's hook made it 102-101. After a pair of Darrick Martin free throws, Stojakovic forced overtime by sinking his third 3-pointer with 10.7 seconds to go. Stojakovic scored all nine of the Kings' points in the extra session, putting Sacramento ahead 111-110 on a layup with 1:11 to play. Latrell Sprewell reclaimed the lead for Minnesota on a jumper, and Garnett extended it to 114-111 by beating the shot-clock buzzer with 10.8 seconds remaining. Two Stojakovic free throws narrowed the margin to one, but Trenton Hassell blocked Stojakovic's final trey attempt as time expired to preserve the victory. Sprewell finished with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Hassell (16) and Fred Hoiberg (14) combined for 30 points. Stojakovic topped the Kings with 29 points and Doug Christie added 24 points and 12 boards. <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="Magenta">Players & Stats</font></font> Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Mike Bibby 22.5PPG 4.0RPG 6.0APG Doug Christie 14.6PPG 7.4RPG 4.8APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Peja Stojakovic 20.0PPG 7.9RPG 1.6APG Chris Webber 18.8PPG 8.8RPG 4.0APG Vlade Divac 6.6PPG 4.5RPG 2.0APG <u>Reserves</u> Gerald Wallace 3.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.5APG Anthony Peeler 3.6PPG 2.9RPG 1.4APG Darius Songaila 4.0PPG 2.4RPG 0.2APG Rodney Buford 0.0PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Brad Miller 9.8PPG 9.0RPG 3.1APG 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 19 points (7-15 FG, 2-4 3pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, a career playoff-high and game-high 10 assists, one steal, and two blocks in 43 minutes before fouling out with 2:34 left in overtime in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging a team-leading 22.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.3 spg, and 41.3 mpg in starting all eight postseason games ... Averaging 20.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 8.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, and 42.7 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 a playoff career-high 24 points (7-14 FG, 0-1 3pt, 10-11 FT), a team-high 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 42 minutes in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 14.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 spg, and 41.3 mpg in starting all eight postseason games ... Averaging 17.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 spg, and 39.7 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 a team-high 29 points (10-24 FG, 5-13 3pt, 4-7 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 49 minutes in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 20.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.9 spg, and 43.3 mpg in starting all eight postseason games ... Averaging 23.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.3 spg, and 44.7 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 17 points (6-16 FG, 0-1 3pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, and three assists in 47 minutes in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.1 bpg, and 38.4 mpg in starting all eight postseason games ... Averaging 17.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.3 spg, and 40.7 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 nine points (3-5 FG, 3-5 FT), five rebounds, and four assists in 22 minutes in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 6.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 18.1 mpg in starting all eight postseason games ... Averaging 9.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.0 apg, and 24.3 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 eight points (4-8 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block in 37 minutes off the bench in Game 3 versus Minnesota (5/10). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 9.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, and 29.6 mpg in coming off the bench in all eight postseason games ... Averaging 10.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 bpg, and 34.3 mpg in three games versus Minnesota in the conference semifinals ... 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 <font color="Magenta">Kings' Game Notes</font> 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) STOJAKOVIC?S FREE THROW STREAK ENDS: Peja Stojakovic?s free throw streak, which began at the end of the regular season and continued through the playoffs ended at 66 on Monday in Game 3 versus the Timberwolves. In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, he converted 25 consecutive free throws before missing his second attempt with 1:55 left in the first quarter. 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 23 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 22.5 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 34 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 22.5PPG 4.0APG .451FG% .4593PT% .875FT% 8G COMPARING PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: Entering the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Kings five starters had a combined 270 games of playoff experience. In comparison, the Timberwolves? starting five had 216 playoff games before this season?s playoffs. More importantly, entering this year?s postseason, the Kings? starting five have played together in 18 playoff games over the past two seasons. KINGS? STARTING FIVE: In the playoffs, the Kings starting five of Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, and Chris Webber has a combined 16-10 record in the playoffs. In last year?s playoffs, the Kings were 2-3 without Webber in the lineup after the all-star forward injured his left knee in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against Dallas and missed the final five games of the series. During the Kings? 2003 playoff run, Stojakovic was lost for six games due to a sprained right ankle suffered after Game 2 in the conference semifinals against Dallas. Stojakovic would miss the next three games of the Dallas series and the first three games of the conference finals versus the Lakers. In his absence, the Kings went 5-1. <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="DarkGreen">Players & Stats</font></font></div> <div align="center">Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Sam Cassell 21.4PPG 3.4RPG 4.8APG Latrell Sprewell 18.0PPG 4.4RPG 3.6APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Trenton Hassell 10.3PPG 4.4RPG 2.1APG Kevin Garnett 25.4PPG 14.8RPG 6.1APG Ervin Johnson 3.9PPG 5.8RPG 1.4APG <u>Reserves</u> Fred Hoiberg 7.0PPG 2.4RPG 1.1RPG Mark Madsen 2.7PPG 2.9RPG 0.0APG Darrik Martin 2.1PPG 0.5RPG 1.0APG Oliver Miller 0.3PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Michael Olowokandi 2.3PPG 2.8RPG 0.3APG Gary Trent 1.0PPG 0.8RPG 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 Postseason: Fouled out of Monday's game with 1:26 left in the 4th quarter; he had two DQs in the regular season? Scored 10 of his points Saturday in the 4th quarter, the fourth time this playoff season that he's tallied 10+ in the final 12 minutes; he's shooting 56.3% (18-for-32) in the 4th quarters thus far? Matched his own playoff club 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 of Game 1, tying the highest-scoring half in club history (regular season or playoffs), a mark shared by Tony Campbell and Chauncey Billups? All 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 single-game franchise record? Ranks 6th in playoff scoring (21.4 ppg), 5th in three-point accuracy (51.4%) and 14th in FG accuracy (48.8%). <u>Shooting Guard:</u> Latrell Sprewell Postseason: The rebound and assist totals Monday represent his playoff single-game highs for 2004, while his 49 minutes are a playoff career best? Scored his 1000th career postseason point in the 3rd quarter of Monday's contest? Shooting just 16.0% (4-for-25) in two Game 1s, compared to 47.1% (48-for-102) in the other six games? 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? Ranks 10th in playoff minutes (41.9 mpg). <u>Small Forward:</u> Trenton Hassell Postseason: His 17-point outing in Game 1 is his high in a Wolves uniform; he's averaging 15.0 ppg in three games vs. the Kings, after tallying 7.4 ppg in the first round against Denver? It's the first time this season that he's put together back-to-back double-figure scoring nights? Swiped five steals in Game 4 at Denver, tying a club playoff single-game record originally set by Anthony Peeler (Apr. 28, 2001 vs. San Antonio)? Currently ranks 5th in playoff FG accuracy at 55.2% (37-for-67). <u>Power Foward:</u> Kevin Garnett Postseason: Monday's outing marked the fifth 30-point effort of his playoff career (second in 2004)? His six blocked shots Saturday are a franchise playoff record, breaking his own mark of five (at San Antonio, May 9, 1999)? Saw his string of 14 straight postseason double/doubles ended in Game 5 vs. Denver? The Game 2 effort against the Nuggets (20 pts/22 reb/10 ast) was the third playoff triple-double of his career; his 22 boards are a playoff career high, while his 20 defensive rebounds tie an NBA Playoff single-game mark shared by Dave Cowens, Bill Walton and Tim Duncan? The Game 1 outing against 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 (14.8 rpg) and ranks 2nd in scoring (25.4 ppg), 3rd in blocks (2.75 bpg) and 10th in assists (6.1 apg). <u>Center:</u> Ervin Johnson Postseason: His four assists Monday represent a playoff career high, while his 11 rebounds Saturday are a season best (regular season or playoffs)? Played a season-high 37 minutes in Game 4 at Denver, one of just four times he's logged 30+ minutes this year. <u>6th Man:</u> Michael Olowokandi Postseason: Logged 22.0 mpg in the opening two contests vs. Denver, but has dropped to 12.5 mpg in six games since? Has just four points while committing seven TOs in the last five games (64 minutes). Injuries Update Ndudi Ebi Knee Troy Hudson Ankle Surgery Wally Szczerbiak Back <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolves' Game Notes</font> POSTSEASON CHART: Monday's win makes the Wolves 2-0 all-time in OT playoff games, having beaten the Lakers a year ago in Game 3 at Staples Center. Minnesota is 6-2 this postseason, needing one more win to match their seven-year total entering 2004 (7-22). INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Minnesota committed just eight turnovers in Monday's OT win at ARCO Arena, its fifth single-digit effort in club playoff history. The Wolves have totaled 19 TOs in their two victories over the Kings, after averaging 19.0 TOs in their previous three contests (including a franchise-playoff-record 21 TOs Apr. 30 vs. Denver). WOLF TRACKS: Minnesota regained homecourt advantage in its Western Conference Semifinal series with Sacramento on the strength of Monday's OT victory? It's the third time this year -- and the fifth in their last nine meetings -- that the Wolves and Kings have gone into overtime? Minnesota is now 2-0 in the playoffs in overtime affairs, having notched a 114-110 win over the L.A. Lakers last Apr. 24 at Staples Center (also a Game 3)? The Kings slip to 2-3 since moving to Sacramento in 1985-86; their most recent overtime playoff game was a 141-137 double-OT loss to Dallas in Game 3 of the conference semis exactly one year earlier (May 10, 2003) at ARCO Arena? Sacramento forced overtime by outscoring Minnesota 17-4 in the final two minutes of regulation on Monday, going 4-for-4 from three-point range in that stretch? Two nights earlier at Target Center, the Wolves had made up a 10-point deficit with four minutes left by outscoring Sacramento 16-1 to finish the game; it's the 2nd-biggest comeback in franchise playoff history? TRIPLE DIGITS: Minnesota's 114-point effort Monday equals the highest-scoring road game in club playoff history, matching its Game 3 victory over the Lakers last season? It's also the Wolves' top output this year since posting a 121-97 triumph over Dallas on Mar. 3 at Target Center? Meanwhile, Sacramento's 113-point outing is the most allowed by Minnesota since the Mavericks took a 119-112 victory on Jan. 3 in Dallas? Minnesota currently ranks 3rd among playoff teams in scoring offense (97.4 ppg), bumping that to 102.0 ppg against Sacramento? They're also 2nd in FG accuracy (45.6%) and 1st in three-point accuracy (44.6%); the 6-for-18 showing Monday is the first time in eight postseason outings that Minnesota has shot less than 40% from three-point range? The Wolves grabbed a 22-18 lead after one quarter on Monday, two nights after holding the Kings to 12 points in the first period of Game 2? In Minnesota's two playoff losses, they've given up an average of 32.0 points (and 60.5% shooting) in the opening stanza -- including Sacramento's 34-point explosion in Game 1; the Wolves are allowing just 19.7 points (40.3%) in the first quarters of their six wins? SEASON SERIES: <font color="DarkGreen">MINNESOTA 3,</font> <font color="Magenta">SACRAMENTO 1</font> 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></div> <font color="Red">My prediction</font> The Wolves have alot of momentum right now and are very confident playing at the Arco Arena. I predict that the Wolves win by 1 in OT for the second time.
The Kings are pissed after the game yesterday, and I can see them playing with intesity in this one, but they will also be a little tired. But Bibby will coming out hard, as will Peja. But Cassell was also a little steamed, so he will show up. And I think we found someone to guard Bibby, and Sprewell will give him a good fight. Garnett just needs to do his thing, and this one should be ours. And it would be great if Hoiberg and Hassell do the same thing they did yesterday. This game will be another close one, but I see the Wolves taking this one by 3.
the two keys to this game for the wolves i think are if they can keep playing that good D on bibby and Peja and if Sam can stay out of foul trouble.
Great preview just-magic, but I dont think the wolves will win another game in OT in Arco, the calls just wont go their way for them to pull it off. Hopefully Sam comes to play from the start of the game tonight. It seems like he has been not looking to be aggressive until the 2nd half so far in this series. And sometimes when you wait to long you are never able to get your shooting stroke going even when you want too. Thats what happen to Sam in the 2nd half of game 3. And the 4th quarter foul trouble killed him. The Wolves need a big night out of Sam tonight. They need him to score at least 20pts, stay out of foul trouble.And Stop leaving Doug Christie open like he did in the 3rd quarter in game 3. Iam not really for sure if Trenton & Freddy can produce the same type of offense game they did in game 3. But it would be nice especially Fred, his jumpshot really spaces the floor. But the Wolves do need another big night from Sprewell on both ends of the court. He cant let Bibby get going. And Peja really scares me the way he finish up game 3 in the 4th quarter & OT. Trenton Hassell is going to have to really work hard to limit his good looks early in the game. If Peja has a carry over effect from game 3, it could be along night for the Wolves. I was expecting a big 1st quarter push to start off the game by the kings in game 3. But it never came, I do think the Kings will come out the gates strong tonight so the wolves to to whether the storm of what I think will be a strong 1st quarter by the Kings. They need to stay within single digits by the end of the 1st quarter. They cant let the Kings jump out to an early double-digit lead.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KG is the MVP:</div><div class="quote_post">the two keys to this game for the wolves i think are if they can keep playing that good D on bibby and Peja and if Sam can stay out of foul trouble.</div> Add to that THE KEY: The Kings will throw everything at the T'Wolves including the kitchen sink tonight. That makes staying close the first 18 minutes of the game a premium. If we withstand their opening onslaught, we'll win because we will have taken their best shot & they'll be tiring from that opening burst. In the end, we'll have more in the tank down the stretch & we'll win by 7-8 tonight.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">Great preview just-magic, but I dont think the wolves will win another game in OT in Arco, the calls just wont go their way for them to pull it off. <font color="Red">Hopefully Sam comes to play from the start of the game tonight.</font> It seems like he has been not looking to be aggressive until the 2nd half so far in this series. And sometimes when you wait to long you are never able to get your shooting stroke going even when you want too. Thats what happen to Sam in the 2nd half of game 3. And the 4th quarter foul trouble killed him. The Wolves need a big night out of Sam tonight. They need him to score at least 20pts, stay out of foul trouble.And Stop leaving Doug Christie open like he did in the 3rd quarter in game 3. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">Iam not really for sure if Trenton & Freddy can produce the same type of offense game they did in game 3. But it would be nice especially Fred, his jumpshot really spaces the floor.</font> But the Wolves do need another big night from Sprewell on both ends of the court. He cant let Bibby get going. And Peja really scares me the way he finish up game 3 in the 4th quarter & OT. Trenton Hassell is going to have to really work hard to limit his good looks early in the game. If Peja has a carry over effect from game 3, it could be along night for the Wolves. I was expecting a big 1st quarter push to start off the game by the kings in game 3. But it never came, I do think the Kings will come out the gates strong tonight so the wolves to to whether the storm of what I think will be a strong 1st quarter by the Kings. They need to stay within single digits by the end of the 1st quarter. They cant let the Kings jump out to an early double-digit lead.</div> <font color="Red">Expect to see Sam on a mission tonight. He's upset at how he played & he's upset that the refs fouled him out on such ticky-tack calls. He'll get 25+ tonight</font>. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">I'm fully confident that Freddie & Trenton will continue to produce tonight, especially Freddie. His shot's like a laser-guided bomb- DEADLY ACCURATE. </font>
Wow, great post man, Very thurough. As long as the Wolves come out with more intensity and really attack the hole to put their big men in foul trouble early, we should surely win this game. I really want to see Sam take it to the hole and put Vlade, Miller and Webber in foul trouble & make them sit down...just as long as he doesn't pick up any charges along the way to make HIMself sit down. I really wanna see the 'small 3' bring as much as they can to the table and really have a huge impact in this game, they need to play well in order for the Wolves to win, not just contributions from the Big 3.
tisk tisk tisk....things arent looking very good for you t wolves Kings are up 11 at the half T wolves are playing defense like the Mavs and allowing the Kings to run the pick and roll all night on them Minnesota is playing very slopping and making an enormous ammount of turnovers KG Cassel and Sprewell are doing absolutely nothing and C Webb is able to get open jumpers all night The Twolves cannot win this game if Gary Trent is going to be their leading scorer
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TWolfFanatic:</div><div class="quote_post"><font color="Red">Expect to see Sam on a mission tonight. He's upset at how he played & he's upset that the refs fouled him out on such ticky-tack calls. He'll get 25+ tonight</font>. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">I'm fully confident that Freddie & Trenton will continue to produce tonight, especially Freddie. His shot's like a laser-guided bomb- DEADLY ACCURATE. </font></div> Sam was on mission tonight but his shot forgot to come along. Tough shooting night 4-15. Alot of the looks he got were shots that he normally makes they just didnt drop. Think he should have tried to get hoop a little more, their was spots where he could have broke down the defense but settled for the perimeter J. His craftiness would have let him get to the hoop against Peeler in the 2nd half. Disappointing game by Sam. It was a diappointing game by the entire team but especially diappointing by Sam because he comingt off a game where things didnt go so well. I was think he would come out with the assassin mentality. This look like the Wolves team that we saw during the regular season at certain points. You know the Wolves team that would win a couple big games vs the Spurs or Lakers(or some other high quality team) & then leg an egg against the Hawks or Celtics. I hate watching the Wolves on espn, the wolves always lose when they play on that channel
The Kings won a game they had to win. They have already showed they could win in Minny. I say they win this series in 6.
It was an offensive struggle for both teams. Sac did allow them to comeback but managed to hold them off. Webber and Miller was hitting their J's. That's a good sign for the Kings. But I still think the Twolves can pull this off in 7. Homecourt will be the deciding factor IMO. So if the Kings don't do it in 6, I don't think they can beat the Wolves at home in the 7th. I feel that Sam and Spree won't allow that to happen.
Rudeezy: What's your justification for the Kings to win in 6 games? Are they truly outplaying Minnesota that bad that you think they can pull it off? The T-Wolves were horrible last night on both ends of the court (at certain points they were decent) but over all, atrocious. Even on a horrible night for the Wolves, they STILL only lost the game by 7 points? The Wolves have two more games at home vs. the Kings having one game which does give Minnesota the slight edge in that department. Overall the games are very even but if the "Big 3" have solid games the next two games, they'll win it. If they don't, there chances go way down. To me Sacramento doesn't have the depth I think to withstand a 7 game series in which game 7 would be played in Minnesota. Guys are tired, bruised, banged up (as it showed last night in that relatively low scoring game for two teams who can put up points) By no means is the series over in 6 games unless Peja, Bibby, Webber get red hot or Garnett, Sprewell and Cassell get red hot.
Wolves in 7 in Overtime to meet the Spurs. Now THAT'S a Western Conference Finals. I believe this, If the Kings win this series, the Spurs repeat as champions.
The Kings started the game full of energy and intensity in the first half. The Wolves were lucky that the lead wasn't bigger. They cooled off a bit in the second half. They played solid defense. A reason why the Wolves lost was because they didn't penetrate into the lane and get to the foul line. KG had his first trip to the free-throw line in the final half of the 3rd quarter. That won't win you games. The didn't finish in the paint alot and didn't score that much in there. They were a perimeter oriented team in game 4. In the first half, they weren't playing tough defense and were a bit soft on Webber. He got some open shots. They did start playing better defense in the 2nd half and made a comeback and tied the game at a time but it wasn't enough. The matchup between KG and Webber, Webber won. He played better than KG, the MVP. That was a factor in this game. The Wolves should be able to win at the Target Center tommorow.
