<div align="center"><font size="7">Western Conference: Semifinals GAME FIVE</font> <font size="6">@</font> <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> VS <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> May 14, 9:30 PM ET Target Center TV:TNT, RSN</div> <div align="center">2004 NBA PLAYOFFS - WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND Series Tied at 2-2 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 Game 4 Wednesday May 12 Min 81-Sac 87 ARCO Arena <font color="Red">Game 5 Friday May 14 Target Center</font> 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 Cassells 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. <font color="Red">GAME FOUR</font> Game 4: Wednesday, May 12 Sacramento 87, Minnesota 81 Boxscore Preview Chris Webber scored 28 points and Brad Miller added 20 as Sacramento took advantage of 24 Timberwolves turnovers to square the series with an 87-81 victory on Wednesday night at ARCO Arena. Webber hit all six of his first-quarter attempts and Minnesota's nine miscues helped the Kings build a six-point lead, which grew to 29-16 early in the second when Doug Christie's jumper capped an 8-0 burst. The Wolves managed just one field goal in the period's first nine minutes, enabling Sacramento to stretch its advantage to 17. Eight points from Gary Trent chipped into the deficit, and Sam Cassell's layup narrowed the margin to 42-31 at halftime. Trailing by 13 early in the third, Minnesota reeled off 11 unanswered points -- the last four by Latrell Sprewell -- to close within 46-44. Baskets by Miller and Peja Stojakovic quelled the rally, but the Wolves eventually tied it at 53-53 on a Cassell 3-pointer with 2:33 remaining. Sacramento opened the fourth quarter by holding Minnesota to 1-for-10 shooting in rebuilding a nine-point cushion. Miller tallied 11 points in the period, including the game-clinching three-point play with 57.3 seconds left after the Wolves had again climbed to within six. Webber grabbed eight rebounds and Mike Bibby tallied 15 points and 12 assists for the Kings. Kevin Garnett led Minnesota with 19 points, 21 rebounds and six assists, while Cassell chipped in 15 points and six assists, and Sprewell scored 13 points. <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="Magenta">Players & Stats</font></font> Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Mike Bibby 21.7PPG 3.9RPG 6.7APG Doug Christie 13.3PPG 6.9RPG 4.3APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Peja Stojakovic 18.7PPG 7.4RPG 1.4APG Chris Webber 19.8PPG 8.7RPG 3.7APG Vlade Divac 6.4PPG 4.4RPG 1.8APG <u>Reserves</u> Gerald Wallace 3.5PPG 1.0RPG 0.5APG Anthony Peeler 3.5PPG 3.0RPG 1.4APG Darius Songaila 4.0PPG 2.4RPG 0.2APG Rodney Buford 0.0PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Brad Miller 10.9PPG 8.8RPG 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. Adelmans 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 15 points (4-12 FG, 1-4 3pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds, and a career playoff-high and game-high 12 assists in 46 minutes in Game 4 versus Minnesota (5/12). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging a team-leading 21.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.7 apg, 2.0 spg, and 41.8 mpg in starting all nine postseason games ... Averaging 19.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 9.3 apg, 1.5 spg, and 43.5 mpg in four 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 eight points (2-10 FG, 0-2 3pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, and two steals in 38 minutes in Game 4 versus Minnesota (5/12). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 spg, and 42.7 mpg in starting all nine postseason games ... Averaging 19.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.3 spg, and 43.0 mpg in four 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 a game-high 28 points (13-21 FG, 2-2 FT), a team-high eight rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block in 37 minutes in Game 4 versus Minnesota (5/12). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 19.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.1 bpg, and 38.2 mpg in starting all nine postseason games ... Averaging 20.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.8 spg, and 39.8 mpg in four 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 gamehigh 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 five points (2-5 FG, 1-2 FT) and four rebounds in 23 minutes in Game 4 versus Minnesota (5/12). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 6.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, and 18.7 mpg in starting all nine postseason games ... Averaging 8.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, and 24.0 mpg in four 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 20 points (7-13 FG, 0-1 3pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks in 36 minutes off the bench in Game 4 versus Minnesota (5/12). 2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 10.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.1 bpg, and 30.3 mpg in coming off the bench in all nine postseason games ... Averaging 13.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.8 bpg, and 34.8 mpg in four 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 (Doubtful) 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) STOJAKOVICS FREE THROW STREAK ENDS: Peja Stojakovics 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 leagues 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. Bibbys 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 21.7 points a game in this seasons 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 career playoff games. Twice in this years playoffs Bibby has scored 30 or more points (back-to-back games - Game 5 vs. Dallas and Game 1 at Minnesota). Heres 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 21.7PPG 6.7APG .442FG% .4393PT% .891FT% 9G 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 seasons playoffs. More importantly, entering this years 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 17-10 record in the playoffs. In last years 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. IN THE 2004 NBA PLAYOFFS, THE KINGS ARE: 3-0 ... leading at the half 0-1 ... tied at the half 3-2 ... trailing at the half 4-0 ... leading after three quarters 2-0 ... tied after three quarters 0-3 ... trailing after three quarters 3-1 ... scoring 100+ points 3-2 ... scoring under 100 points 2-2 ... allowing opponent to score 100+ points 4-1 ... holding opponent to under 100 points 1-1 ... outrebounding opponent 0-0 ... tied with opponent in rebounding 5-2 ... outrebounded by opponent 4-0 ... bench outscores opponent 0-0 ... benches are tied 2-3 ... bench outscored by opponent bench 2-2 ... committing 15 or more turnovers 4-1 ... committing under 15 turnovers 5-0 ... outshooting opponent 0-0 ... tied FG% with opponent 1-3 ... outshot by opponent 2-0 ... shooting .500 or better from the field 4-3 ... shooting under .500 from the field 0-0 ... opponent shoots .500 or better from the field 6-3 ... opponent shoots under .500 from the field 4-1 ... outshooting opponents in 3pt FG% 2-2 ... outshot by opponents in 3pt FG% 2-0 ... shooting .500 or better in 3pt FG% 2-2 ... outshooting opponents in FT% 4-1 ... outshot by opponents in FT% 6-2 ... shooting .700 or better in FT% 1-2 ... shooting 30 or more free throws 2-1 ... five players score in double-figures 2-0 ... six players score in double-figures 0-0 ... seven players score in double-figures 2-3 ... 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 1-1 ... 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 <div align="center"> <font size="5"><font color="DarkGreen">Players & Stats</font></font></div> <div align="center">Probable Starters <u>Backcourt</u> Sam Cassell 20.7PPG 3.2RPG 4.9APG Latrell Sprewell 17.4PPG 4.4RPG 3.7APG <u>Frontcourt</u> Trenton Hassell 10.1PPG 4.1RPG 2.0APG Kevin Garnett 24.7PPG 15.4RPG 6.1APG Ervin Johnson 3.9PPG 5.7RPG 1.2APG <u>Reserves</u> Fred Hoiberg 7.1PPG 2.4RPG 1.1RPG Mark Madsen 2.4PPG 2.6RPG 0.0APG Darrik Martin 2.2PPG 0.4RPG 0.9APG Oliver Miller 0.3PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG Michael Olowokandi 2.0PPG 2.7RPG 0.2APG Gary Trent 2.3PPG 1.4RPG 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: Hitting 32.0% (16-for-50) in four playoff road games, compared to 54.3% (51-for-94) at home 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 52.9% (18-for-34) in the 4th quarters thus far Tied 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 treys came after intermission, one off the NBA Playoff record for a half (Vince Carter vs. Philadelphia, 2001) Ranks 12th in playoff scoring (20.7 ppg) and 5th in three-point accuracy (47.6%). <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 on Monday Shooting 3-for-18 (16.7%) from three-point range vs. Sacramento, after going 14-for-25 (56.0%) against Denver His 31-point performance 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 vs. the Nuggets set a Wolves playoff record; Anthony Peeler hit six at Seattle on May 2, 1998 Ranks 9th in playoff minutes (42.1 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 13.5 ppg in four games vs. the Kings It's the first time this year 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) Ranks 5th in playoff FG accuracy at 53.9% (41-for-76). <u>Power Foward:</u> Kevin Garnett Postseason: Wednesday's effort was his third 20-board night in the 2004 Playoffs (fifth career) Monday's outing marked the fifth 30-point effort of his playoff career His six blocked shots Saturday are a franchise playoff record Saw his string of 14 straight postseason double/doubles ended in Game 5 vs. Denver The Game 2 effort vs. 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 performance; 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 (15.4 rpg) and ranks 3rd in scoring (24.7 ppg), 3rd in blocks (2.67 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 first two contests vs. Denver, but has dropped to 11.1 mpg in seven games since Has just four points while committing 10 TOs in the last six games (67 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 6-3 this postseason, needing one more win to match its seven-year total entering 2004 (7-22). INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Minnesota committed a club playoff-record 24 turnovers in Wednesday's loss at ARCO Arena, surpassing their previous mark of 21 TOs set in the Game 5 clincher vs. Denver (Apr. 30). The Wolves have totaled just 19 TOs in their two victories over the Kings, but have committed 42 miscues in the two losses. A game-by-game look at some of the postseason's key numbers to date for Minnesota: FOURTH & LONG: The Wolves misfired on nine of their first 10 shots in the 4th quarter on Wednesday, finishing 7-for-21. Minnesota's 4th-quarter shooting percentage has been below 40% in all four games vs. Sacramento -- a combined 32.5% (27-for-83) -- after hitting a cumulative 52.4% (43-for-82) in the last 12 minutes against Denver. WOLF TRACKS: Sacramento evened the Western Conference Semifinal series at two games apiece with Wednesday's six-point decision, beating the Wolves for the first time in four tries at ARCO Arena this year The Kings have now won nine of their last 11 home playoff games, with Monday's 114-113 overtime defeat snapping a five-game postseason winning streak at ARCO Sacramento finished the regular season with the NBA's 2nd-best home record at 34-7 and stands 4-1 in the playoffs; three of their eight home losses have been to Minnesota The Wolves drop to 2-2 away from Target Center in the 2004 Playoffs; their two wins have been by a combined three points Minnesota tied Indiana for the league's best road record in 2003-04, going 27-14 The Wolves are 6-3 this year in the playoffs, bumping their all-time postseason mark to 13-25; Wednesday's loss dropped them to 1-6 in Game 4s Monday's game was the third time this year -- and the fifth in their last nine meetings -- that the Wolves and Kings have gone OT Sacramento forced overtime by outscoring Minnesota 17-4 in the final two minutes of regulation, going 4-for-4 from three-point range in that span 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 club playoff history FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Wolves' 15-point 1st quarter on Wednesday marks their lowest-scoring opening period in franchise playoff history, while the 31-point 1st half is their 2nd-lowest postseason total ever (28 vs. San Antonio, May 13, 1999, 1st half) During the 2004 Playoffs, Minnesota is averaging 18.8 points in the 1st quarters of four road games, compared to 26.2 points in five Target Center starts The Wolves grabbed a 22-18 lead after one quarter on Monday, two nights after holding the Kings to 12 points in the 1st period of Game 2 In Minnesota's three playoff losses, they're permitting an average of 28.3 points (56.1% shooting) in the opening period -- including Sacramento's 34-point explosion in Game 1; the Wolves are allowing 19.7 points (40.3%) in the 1st quarters of their six wins They're 6-0 when tied or ahead after one quarter 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 Despite Wednesday's 81-point outing at ARCO Arena (their low playoff total since an 86-69 setback at San Antonio on Apr. 23, 2001), the Wolves rank 4th among playoff teams in scoring offense (95.6 ppg) They're also 3rd in FG accuracy (45.0%) and 1st in three-point accuracy (43.1%); the 6-for-18 showing Monday was the first time this postseason that Minnesota has shot less than 40% from three-point range TREY TALK: Fred Hoiberg is hitting 52.4% (11-for-21) from three-point range in four games vs. Sacramento, and ranks 3rd among playoff participants at 48.3% Sam Cassell went 7-for-11 from downtown in Game 1, matching Latrell Sprewell's franchise playoff record (set in Game 2 vs. Denver) All seven of Cassell's treys came after halftime, equaling the 2nd-highest one-half total in NBA Playoff history; he's 5th overall in threepoint accuracy (47.6%) The Wolves limited Sacramento to 1-for-9 from beyond the arc on Wednesday; for the series, the Kings are at 27.1% (16-for-59), averaging 4.0 makes per contest They shot 36.7% (33-for-90) vs. Dallas in the first round (6.6 makes per game), after leading the NBA in three-point accuracy during the regular season (a franchise-record 40.1%) and ranking 2nd in treys made (7.3 per game) 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 seriesclinchingGame 5 at Target Center Over their past two playoff seasons, the Wolves have gone 7-1 when scoring 20+ points from the line (1-6 when tallying fewer than 20) Meanwhile, Minnesota notched a 46-33 rebounding margin vs. Sacramento on Wednesday, including 14-7 on the offensive end for a 14-6 advantage in 2nd-chance points The +13 spread marks the sixth time in eight meetings (including the regular season) that they've outrebounded the Kings; Minnesota has compiled a +6.6 rpg advantage in those eight games BY THE NUMBERS: The Wolves are 3-0 when scoring 100+ points 3-3 when scoring less than 100 1-3 when shooting less than 45% 4-2 when outrebounding their foe or even 4-1 when attempting more FTs or even 4-0 when committing <16 TOs 6-1 when leading or tied after 3 quarters 3-1 in games decided by 10+ points 1-2 when allowing 100+ points 5-1 when allowing less than 100 5-0 when shooting 45%+ 1-1 when allowing 45%+ 5-2 when allowing less than 45% 6-1 when outshooting their foe 0-2 when being outshot] 2-1 when being outrebounded 2-2 when attempting fewer FTs 2-3 when committing 16+ TOs 0-2 when trailing after 3 quarters 3-0 in games decided by <6 points 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 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 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 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 Boxscore 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 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 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. <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 by 8.
Well, I saw a stat on ESPN that says whoever wins game 5 wins the series 83% of the time. So this is a must win game for the Wolves, so the Kings will be on the brink of elimination. I see the Wolves winning by 5+ in this one.
I know I usually go into long details about what the Wolves need to do but its simple. The Big Three must be the big three. As we seen in the Lakers/Spurs game throw all game plans out the window in a game 5 situation. It just comes done to which team refuses to lose. And makes the biggest punch at the right time. The Lakers had to win that game 5 about 2 or three different times. And they did. The wolves will have come with that type of focus & determination from start to finish.
Think they need to win the title this year, because they did have alot of attention this season but still seemed under the radar. I remember plenty of SportsCenters, NBA TV analyst, seasoned vets who have become commentators who haven't even brought the Wolves name to the table when it comes to championship talk. I believe that this is probably the most important game to date because the Kings know we can beat them at home and that fear will effect them in game 6. Yes, they know they can win at home, but look at the percentage of Arco victories against the Wolves this season (25%). I would expect the Kings to come out on all cylinders to keep the crowd out of it. Flip needs to resort to the initial defensive plan (no easy shot/Lay-ups) and obviously, turnovers.
Great News!!! Kevin McHale was just on KFAN & he said that if Wally's still feeling well, he'll play tonight. If Wally's able to play tonight & hit his shots, then the entire complexion of the game changes. If Wally's hitting his shots, several things are likely to happen. 1. If he's hitting his shots, then the Kings can't afford to use Whipped Boy (AKA Christie) on Sam. If Bibby's guarding Sam, Sam goes for 25+. If they keep Bibby on Wally, then Wally abuses him with his postup game. 2. The Kings have willingly left Trenton to double KG & Trenton's made them pay. If Wally's out there instead of Trenton, would the Kings rethink their strategy? If they don't double KG, then KG will go off against CWebb, Vlade or Miller. If they leave Wally, Wally will hit open J after open J. Defensively, I think Wally is capable of staying with Peja well enough to not let Peja go off. If Peja gets 25, then he adds a few points to the Kings score. If Wally's hitting, the game changes because the entire offense runs different. If Wally plays well, I predict an 8 point T'wolf win tonight.
