Preview GAME 7: Sacramento @ Minnesota

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    <div align="center"><font size="7">Western Conference: Semifinals GAME SEVEN</font>
    [​IMG] <font size="6">@</font> [​IMG]
    <font color="Magenta">Sacramento Kings</font> VS <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves</font>
    May 19, 8:30
    Target Center
    TV: ESPN, SCORE</div>

    <div align="center">2004 NBA PLAYOFFS - WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND
    Series Tied at 3-3
    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
    Game 5 Friday May 14 Sac 74-Min 86 Target Center
    Game 6 Sunday May 16 Min 87-Sac 104 ARCO Arena
    <font color="Red">Game 7 Wednesday May 19 Target Center</font></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.

    <font color="Red">GAME FIVE</font>
    Game 5: Friday, May 14 Minnesota 86, Sacramento 74
    Boxscore
    Preview
    Latrell Sprewell poured in 34 points and the Timberwolves limited Sacramento to 33 percent shooting in taking a 3-2 series lead with an 86-74 victory on Friday night at Target Center. Doug Christie scored the Kings' first seven points, and Peja Stojakovic pushed the lead to 14-5 midway through the first quarter. However, Minnesota closed the period with eight straight points to pull even at 18-18, and two straight Sprewell baskets put the Wolves in front to stay early in the second. Leading 38-34 at halftime, Minnesota scored six quick points to stretch the advantage to 10 before Mike Bibby and Chris Webber combined to draw Sacramento back to within 48-46. Sprewell followed a layup with back-to-back 3-pointers to pump the lead back to 10, but the Kings again narrowed the deficit to 60-57 on Webber's basket with 1:32 left in the third. The Kings' Brad Miller and Minnesota's Darrick Martin were both ejected near the end of the quarter, in the midst of an 8-0 Wolves burst. Webber kept Sacramento within seven with just under six minutes to play, before Sam Cassell capped another run of eight straight points to give Minnesota its largest lead of the night at 81-66 with 3:54 remaining. Kevin Garnett finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolves, while Mark Madsen hauled down a career-high 13 rebounds. Bibby's 14 points topped Sacramento, with Webber and Stojakovic scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively.

    <font color="Red">GAME SIX</font>
    Boxscore
    Preview
    Game 6: Sunday, May 16 Sacramento 104, Minnesota 87
    Peja Stojakovic led a balanced attack with 22 points, and Sacramento rode a big second quarter to force Game 7 with a 104-87 win over the Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon at ARCO Arena. The Kings sprinted to a 14-5 lead by converting seven of their first 10 shots, but Minnesota responded with a 3-point flurry from Latrell Sprewell and Fred Hoiberg. The Wolves reeled off 17 unanswered points to grab a 28-19 lead, and finished the first quarter 6-for-7 from beyond the arc. Hoiberg's third trey of the game kept Minnesota in front 37-31 early in the second, but the Wolves then went scoreless for nearly five minutes as Sacramento struck back with a 14-0 outburst. The Kings pushed their advantage to 57-44 at halftime on Stojakovic's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, completing a first half that saw Sacramento shoot 60 percent from the floor. Minnesota narrowed the gap to 61-55 when Sprewell hit for the sixth time from long distance, but another scoring drought saw the Kings double their lead to 12 three minutes later and to 78-63 by the end of the period. Wally Szczerbiak had 10 points in the fourth quarter and the Wolves closed to within 94-87 on Kevin Garnett's dunk with 3:25 to play. Those were Minnesota's final points, however, as Sacramento pulled away with a 10-0 run. Brad Miller finished with 17 points for the Kings, while Mike Bibby tallied 16 points and 10 assists, and Doug Christie also scored 16 points. Sprewell's 27 points and five steals led Minnesota, Garnett registered 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Sam Cassell chipped in 16 points.

    <div align="center">[​IMG]<font size="5"><font color="Magenta">Players & Stats</font></font>

    Probable Starters

    <u>Backcourt</u>
    [​IMG]
    Mike Bibby
    20.5PPG 3.8RPG 6.9APG
    [​IMG]
    Doug Christie
    13.2PPG 6.4RPG 4.0APG

    <u>Frontcourt</u>
    [​IMG]
    Peja Stojakovic
    18.4PPG 7.0RPG 1.4APG
    [​IMG]
    Chris Webber
    18.6PPG 8.3RPG 3.6APG
    [​IMG]
    Vlade Divac
    6.5PPG 4.8RPG 2.0APG

    <u>Reserves</u>
    [​IMG]
    Gerald Wallace
    2.3PPG 0.7RPG 0.3APG
    [​IMG]
    Anthony Peeler <font color="Red">(SUSPENDED)</font>
    4.5PPG 3.2RPG 1.4APG
    [​IMG]
    Darius Songaila
    4.3PPG 2.2RPG 0.3APG
    [​IMG]
    Rodney Buford
    2.5PPG 0.5RPG 0.3APG
    [​IMG]
    Brad Miller
    10.5PPG 8.7RPG 3.2APG
    [​IMG]
    Jabari Smith
    1.3PPG 0.8RPG 0.0APG</div>

    <u>Head Coach:</u> Rick Adelman
    [​IMG]
    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
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded 16 points (7-14 FG, 2-3 3pt), five rebounds, a game-high 10 assists, three steals, and one block in 36 minutes in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging a team-leading 20.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.9 apg, 2.1 spg, and 41.4 mpg in starting all 11 postseason games. Averaging 17.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.8 apg, 1.8 spg, and 42.2 mpg in six 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).

    <u>Shooting Guard:</u> Doug Christie
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded 16 points (5-12 FG, 1-2 3pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 38 minutes in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.7 spg, and 38.3 mpg in starting all 11 postseason games. Averaging 13.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg, and 35.0 mpg in six 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.

    <u>Small Foward:</u> Peja Stojakovic
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded a team-high 22 points (8-19 FG, 4-7 3pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in 43 minutes in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 spg, and 42.8 mpg in starting all 11 postseason games. Averaging 18.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.2 spg, and 43.2 mpg in six 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.

    <u>Power Foward:</u> Chris Webber
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded 14 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 34 minutes in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 18.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 spg, and 37.0 mpg in starting all 11 postseason games. Averaging 18.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.5 spg, and 37.0 mpg in six 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.

    <u>Center:</u> Vlade Divac
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded six points (3-7 FG, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 6.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 19.5 mpg in starting all 11 postseason games. Averaging 7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, and 23.7 mpg in six 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.

    <u>6th Man:</u> Brad Miller
    [​IMG]
    LAST GAME: Recorded 17 points (5-5 FG, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 34 minutes off the bench in Game 6 vs. Minnesota (5/16).
    2004 PLAYOFFS: Averaging 10.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.0 bpg, and 30.1 mpg in coming off the bench in all 11 postseason games. Averaging 11.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.3 bpg, and 32.8 mpg in six 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.


    Injuries Update
    [​IMG]
    Bobby Jackson (Day to day)
    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)

    THE FINAL MINUTE: In three of the games between the Kings and Timberwolves, the largest lead for either team in the final minute of regulation has been six points. In Game 3, the Kings came back from an eight-point deficit in the final minute to force overtime. In the first four contests, the Kings shot .778 (7-of-9) from the field in the final minute of regulation.

    GAME SEVEN: This is the fifth time in franchise history the Kings will play in a Game 7 in the playoffs. This is the second consecutive playoffs in which the Kings will play a Game 7. Last season in the conference semifinals, the Kings fell to the Mavericks, 112-99, in Game 7 in Dallas. In the previous Playoffs, the Kings fell, 112-106, to the Lakers in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals in Sacramento.

    BEEN THERE BEFORE: Seven Kings have experienced Game 7s in the Playoffs. The Kings starting five - Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, and Chris Webber - have together gone through one Game 7 (2003 Western Conference Finals vs. the Lakers). Last season, the Kings were without Chris Webber in Game 7 of the semifinals at Dallas. Newcomer Rodney Buford has been through two Game 7s - both in the same Playoffs as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers played in two Game 7s in the 2001 NBA Playoffs en route to a Finals appearance. Although six Kings have Game 7 experience, none have performed as well as Mike Bibby has. In both Game 7s, Bibby has tallied over 20 points.

    NONE BETTER THAN BIBBY (IN GAME 7s): Although several Kings have Game 7 experience, none have performed as well as Mike Bibby has. In both Game 7s, Bibby has tallied over 20 points. In his first year in the playoffs, he shot 11-of-25 from the field, scoring 29 points against the Lakers. Last season in Game 7 at Dallas, Bibby tallied 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field while dishing out five assists.

    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 IN PLAYOFF TIME: Mike Bibby is averaging a career playoff-high 20.5 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 (backto-back games - Game 5 vs. Dallas and Game 1 at Minnesota).

    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 18-11 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:
    4-0 ... leading at the half
    0-1 ... tied at the half
    3-3 ... trailing at the half
    5-0 ... leading after three quarters
    2-0 ... tied after three quarters
    0-4 ... trailing after three quarters
    4-1 ... scoring 100+ points
    3-3 ... scoring under 100 points
    2-2 ... allowing opponent to score 100+ points
    5-2 ... holding opponent to under 100 points
    2-1 ... outrebounding opponent
    0-0 ... tied with opponent in rebounding
    5-3 ... outrebounded by opponent
    5-0 ... bench outscores opponent
    0-0 ... benches are tied
    2-4 ... bench outscored by opponent bench
    2-3 ... committing 15 or more turnovers
    5-1 ... committing under 15 turnovers
    6-0 ... outshooting opponent
    0-0 ... tied FG% with opponent
    1-4 ... outshot by opponent
    3-0 ... shooting .500 or better from the field
    4-4 ... shooting under .500 from the field
    0-0 ... opponent shoots .500 or better from the field
    7-4 ... opponent shoots under .500 from the field
    4-1 ... outshooting opponents in 3pt FG%
    1-0 ... tied with opponents in 3pt FG%
    2-3 ... outshot by opponents in 3pt FG%
    3-0 ... shooting .500 or better in 3pt FG%
    2-3 ... outshooting opponents in FT%
    5-1 ... outshot by opponents in FT%
    7-3 ... shooting .700 or better in FT%
    1-2 ... shooting 30 or more free throws
    3-1 ... 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">[​IMG] <font size="5"><font color="DarkGreen">Players & Stats</font></font></div>

    <div align="center">Probable Starters

    <u>Backcourt</u>
    [​IMG]
    Sam Cassell
    18.6PPG 3.1RPG 4.8APG
    [​IMG]
    Latrell Sprewell
    19.8PPG 4.6RPG 3.6APG

    <u>Frontcourt</u>
    [​IMG]
    Trenton Hassell
    8.8PPG 3.5RPG 1.7APG
    [​IMG]
    Kevin Garnett
    24.0PPG 14.6RPG 5.7APG
    [​IMG]
    Ervin Johnson
    3.2PPG 5.3RPG 1.0APG

    <u>Reserves</u>
    [​IMG]
    Fred Hoiberg
    7.5PPG 2.9RPG 1.3APG
    [​IMG]
    Mark Madsen
    2.9PPG 4.0RPG 0.1APG
    [​IMG]
    Darrik Martin
    2.0PPG 0.5RPG 0.8APG
    [​IMG]
    Oliver Miller
    0.3PPG 0.0RPG 0.0APG
    [​IMG]
    Michael Olowokandi
    2.0PPG 2.7RPG 0.2APG
    [​IMG]
    Wally Sczczerbiak
    8.6PPG 1.6RPG 0.8APG
    [​IMG]
    Gary Trent
    2.1PPG 1.2RPG 0.2APG</div>

    <u>Head Coach:</u> Phil "Flip" Saunders
    [​IMG]
    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
    [​IMG]
    Fouled out of Sunday's game with 2:32 remaining, his 2nd DQ of this series. His three points on Friday are a season low; he's averaging 10.8 ppg (35.6%) over the last four games. Has scored 10+ points in the 4th quarter four times this playoff season; he's shooting 53.7% (22-for-41) in the 4th quarters thus far. Equaled his own playoff club scoring record with his career-high-tying 40-point outing in Game 1; he led off with a 40-point performance 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 seven of his treys came after intermission, one off the NBA Playoff record for a half (Vince Carter vs. Philadelphia, 2001). Ranks 10th in playoff three-point accuracy (42.6%).

    <u>Shooting Guard:</u> Latrell Sprewell
    [​IMG]
    Tied his playoff career high with five steals Sunday; it also equaled the franchise playoff singlegame best. Friday's outing was one point shy of his career playoff high (35 for New York vs. San Antonio, June 25, 1999) and the seventh time he's tallied 30+ in the postseason (second with Minnesota); including regular-season play, the Wolves are now 8-0 when he scores 30 or more. The rebound and assist totals in Game 3 represent his playoff highs for 2004, while his 49 minutes are a playoff career best. Scored the 1000th point of his playoff career in Game 3. His seven three-pointers in Game 2 vs. the Nuggets set a
    Wolves playoff mark; he added six treys Sunday at Sacramento, and leads all playoff participants in threepointers made (26). Also ranks 12th in scoring (19.8 ppg) and 6th in three-point accuracy (45.6%).

    <u>Small Forward:</u> Trenton Hassell
    [​IMG]
    His 17-point night in Game 1 is his high in a Wolves uniform; he tallied 15.0 ppg (54.1%) in the first three games vs. Sacramento, but has totaled 15 points in the past three. Swiped five steals in Game 4 at Denver, tying a club playoff single-game record. Ranks 7th in FG accuracy at 50.0% (44-for-88).

    <u>Power Foward:</u> Kevin Garnett
    [​IMG]
    Committed eight TOs Friday, the 2nd-highest total in franchise playoff history; he had 10 TOs at Seattle on May 2, 1998 The Game 4 performance was his third 20-rebound night in the 2004 Playoffs (fifth career), while Monday's outing was the fifth 30+ effort of his playoff career. His six blocks in Game 2 are a club playoff record. Saw his string of 14 consecutive 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 boards tie an NBA Playoff singlegame
    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 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 (14.6 rpg) and ranks 3rd in scoring (24.0 ppg), 3rd in blocks (2.64 bpg) and 14th in assists (5.7 apg).

    <u>Center:</u> Ervin Johnson
    [​IMG]
    His four assists in Game 3 represent a playoff career high, while his 11 rebounds in Game 2 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>Wally Szczerbiak
    [​IMG]
    Returned to action on Friday, having missed six games with three transverse process fractures of his lumbar spine suffered in the third quarter of Game 3 (Apr. 24) against Denver.

    Injuries Update

    [​IMG]
    Ndudi Ebi
    Knee
    [​IMG]
    Troy Hudson
    Ankle Surgery

    <font color="DarkGreen">Timberwolves' Game Notes</font>

    POSTSEASON CHART: Tonight's contest is the first Game 7 in franchise history for Minnesota. Including Sunday, they're now 1-3 with the chance to eliminate an opponent. The Wolves are 7-4 this playoff season, matching their seven-year victory total entering 2004 (7-22).

    INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Minnesota committed a franchise playoff-record 24 turnovers in the Game 4 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 34 TOs in their three victories over the Kings, but have committed 58 miscues in the three losses.

    SECOND DEGREE: Sacramento outscored the Wolves 33-14 in the 2nd quarter on Sunday, Minnesota's lowest-scoring period of the 2004 Playoffs. They've been outscored 82-54 (and outshot 50.0%-35.1%) in three 2nd quarters at ARCO this series, but have racked up a 72-57 edge (outshooting the Kings 52.7%-34.4%) in three home meetings.

    WOLF TRACKS: Sacramento knotted the Western Conference Semifinal series at three games apiece with Sunday's 17-point decision, forcing the first Game 7 in Timberwolves history. The Kings are 2-3 all-time in Game 7s (0-2 since moving to Sacramento in 1985-86); they lost at home to the Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference Finals and at Dallas in a semifinal series last season. Minnesota's all-time playoff record slips to 1-3 with the chance to eliminate an opponent, losing Games 4 and 5 to Seattle in a 1998 first-round series and beating Denver in Game 5 this spring. The Kings are 4-7 when facing elimination in the Sacramento era; the last time they won back-to-back elimination games was in 1999-2000, rallying from 0-2 before losing Game 5 against the Lakers. Going back further, the only time the franchise won two straight elimination games and advanced was in 1962-63, when the Cincinnati Royals defeated the Syracuse Nationals in five (Eastern Semis) Since relocating to California, Sacramento is 5-6 with the chance to close out a series.

    STREAKERS: The Wolves reeled off 17 unanswered points to claim a nine-point lead late in the first quarter on Sunday. It's the longest string of consecutive points by one team thus far in the 2004 Playoffs, and the longest ever by Minnesota in a playoff game. Sacramento responded with a lengthy scoring run of its ownin the second period, tallying 14 in a row to change a 37-31 deficit into an eight-point lead. The Kings also had 10-0 runs early (to open a 14-5 lead) and late (to end the contest, turning a seven-point advantage into the final 17-point margin). Sacramento forced OT in Game 3 (won 114-113 by Minnesota) by outscoring the Wolves 17-4 in the final two minutes of regulation, going 4-for-4 from three-point range.Two nights earlier at Target Center, Minnesota had made up a 10-point deficit with four minutes left by outscoring Sacramento 16-1 to finish the game, winning 94-89; it's the 2nd-biggest comeback in franchise playoff history.During the regular season, Minnesota rallied from 11 points back in each of its two victories at ARCO Arena, while Sacramento spotted the Wolves a 12-point cushion before coming back to win in overtime (Nov. 5).

    FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Sacramento sprinted out to a 14-5 lead in the game's first five minutes on Sunday, the fifth time in six games this series that the Kings have gone ahead by 4+ points early. They grabbed a 13-6 lead after three minutes of Game 1, jumped ahead 10-6 after five minutes of both Game 3 and Game 4 (which they extended to 21-12 later in the period), and went on top 14-5 midway through the first quarter of Game 5 at Target Center. Despite the slow starts, Minnesota has actually outscored Sacramento in the first quarters overall in the series (129-127). The Wolves' 15-point first quarter in Game 4 marks their lowestscoring opening period in franchise playoff history, while the 31-point first half is their 2nd-lowest postseason total ever (28 vs. San Antonio, May 13, 1999, 1st half). Minnesota grabbed a 22-18 lead after one quarter in Game 3, two nights after holding the Kings to 12 points in the first period of Game 2 In the Wolves' four playoff losses, they're permitting an average of 27.3 points (on 56.6% shooting) in the first period, including Sacramento's 34-point explosion in Game 1; the Wolves are allowing just 19.4 points (39.9%) in the opening quarters of their seven wins They're 7-1 when tied or ahead after one quarter (0-3 when behind).

    ROCKY ROAD: Sunday's loss prevented the Wolves from winning for a fourth time at Sacramento this year; the 2000-01 Lakers and 1995-96 Sonics are the only teams to beat the Kings four times at ARCO in a single season (twice each in the regular season and playoffs). Sacramento finished the regular season with the NBA's second-best home record at 34-7, and has gone 5-1 thus far in the playoffs; three of their eight home losses overall have been to Minnesota. The Wolves tied Indiana for the league's best road record in 2003-04, going 27-14; they're now 2-3 in the playoffs (1-1 at Denver, 1-2 at Sacramento). Minnesota improved to 5-1 at Target Center with Friday's 86-74 win over the Kings; the lone defeat came in Game 1 vs. Sacramento (104-98). The Wolves are now 7-4 this postseason and 14-26 all-time (9-10 at home, 5-16 on the road).

    THE BIG 80s: Minnesota finished with 87 points in Game 6, its third consecutive sub-90 night. The Wolves opened the Sacramento series by averaging 102.0 ppg in their first three meetings, but have slipped to 84.7 ppg over the past three. Last Wednesday's 81-point outing in Game 3 at ARCO Arena was their low playoff total since an 86-69 setback at San Antonio on Apr. 23, 2001 (fifth-lowest overall). Still, the Wolves rank 4th among playoff teams in scoring offense (93.3 ppg); they're also 3rd in FG accuracy (44.4%). Minnesota's 114-point effort in Game 3 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 season since winning 121-97 over Dallas on Mar. 3 at Target Center; Minnesota is 3-0 this postseason when cracking the Century Mark.

    THREES ARE WILD: Minnesota continued its prolific three-point shooting Sunday, opening the game 7-for-8 and finishing 9-for-16 (56.3%). That's the third-best percentage in franchise playoff history and the eighth time in 11 games this postseason that Minnesota has hit 40% or better from beyond the arc (fourth 50%+). The Wolves are shooting an NBA-leading 43.1% from three-point range in the 2004 Playoffs; they're hitting 39.2% against Sacramento, after a sizzling 49.2% first-round effort vs. Denver. Sam Cassell went 7-for-11 from beyond the arc in Game 1 vs. the Kings, equaling Latrell Sprewell's club playoff record (set in Game 2 vs. Denver). Minnesota is hoisting an average of 17.0 treys per game vs. Sacramento, up from its 13.0-pergame figure vs. Denver and 10.9-per-game average for the regular season. Three Wolves rank among the league's top 10 in accuracy this playoff year (Hoiberg 48.6%, Sprewell 45.6%, Cassell 42.6%).

    DEFENSIVE DOINGS: After shooting a combined 40.0% in the series' first five games -- including just 33.3% in Game 5 at Target Center -- the Kings broke loose to hit an even 50.0% on Sunday. It's their third 50%+ effort this postseason, having shot 53.0% against Dallas in Game 1 and 52.7% in Game 5 (both at home). Conversely, Sacramento has topped 40% just once in five games away from ARCO thus far in the playoffs (43.8% in Game 1 at Minnesota). The Kings' 33.3% performance from the field in Game 5 establishes a new Minnesota playoff single-game defensive mark; they'd held Denver to 35.9% on Apr. 27. The Wolves have kept Sacramento under 45% in five of six games (36.8% in Game 2 at Target Center) and are giving up a combined 41.6% overall. The Kings led the NBA in FG accuracy during the regular season at 46.2%.

    MORE FROM THE OTHER END: The Kings scored 74 points last Friday in Game 5, their lowest playoff total since moving to California in 1985-86 -- and the lowest in CLUB playoff history since the Rochester Royals suffered an 82-72 setback to the Minneapolis Lakers on Mar. 28, 1954 at the Minneapolis Auditorium. In Sacramento's final regular-season visit to Target Center (Feb. 19), they were limited to a season-low 75 points. The total also represents the second-fewest points ever allowed by Minnesota in a playoff contest; the Wolves notched an 80-71 victory at San Antonio on May 11, 1999. Meanwhile, Sacramento's 113-point outing in Game 3 is the most allowed by Minnesota since the Mavericks took a 119-112 victory on Jan. 3.

    NO FREE LUNCH: Minnesota didn't get to the free-throw line until seven seconds remained in the first half on Sunday, and finished the game 12-for-16 to Sacramento's 17-for-24 effort. The Wolves were outscored 30-10 from the line in Game 1; their 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 series-clinching Game 5 at Target Center. However, Sacramento has outscored the Wolves 132-104 through six games in this round, an average margin of 4.7 ppg. In the 2004 Playoffs, Minnesota is 6-0 when scoring 20+ points from the line (1-4 when tallying fewer than 20).

    THE BOARD REPORT: Minnesota posted a 46-33 rebounding advantage at Sacramento in Game 4 last Wednesday, and had a 48-41 edge last Friday at Target Center. The Wolves have outboarded Sacramento in seven of 10 games this year (including the regular season); they've racked up a +3.8 rpg advantage (43.8-40.8) in this playoff round, and a +5.4 rpg spread for the 10 games overall. However, the Kings grabbed a 39-33 edge Sunday; the 33 boards are Minnesota's playoff single-game low since pulling in 33 vs. Portland on Apr. 30, 2000. The Wolves have outscored Sacramento 102-80 in second-chance points in this series, after being on the short end of a 68-54 margin in that category vs. Denver in the first round.

    BY THE NUMBERS: The Wolves are
    3-0 when scoring 100+ points
    4-4 when scoring less than 100
    5-0 when shooting 45%+
    2-4 when shooting less than 45%
    7-1 when outshooting their foe
    5-2 when outrebounding their foe or even
    5-1 when attempting more FTs or even
    5-0 when committing <16 TOs
    7-1 when leading or tied after 3 quarters
    4-2 in games decided by 10+ points
    1-3 when allowing 100+ points
    6-1 when allowing less than 100
    1-2 when allowing 45%+
    6-2 when allowing less than 45%
    0-3 when being outshot
    2-2 when being outrebounded
    2-3 when attempting fewer FTs
    2-4 when committing 16+ TOs
    0-3 when trailing after 3 quarters
    3-0 in games decided by <6 points


    SEASON SERIES: [​IMG]<font color="DarkGreen">MINNESOTA 3,</font> [​IMG]<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>
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    <font color="Magenta">Mike Bibby</font> / <font color="DarkGreen">Sam Cassell</font></div>

    <font color="Red">My prediction</font>

    This is game 7, the final game of this series. This is a win or go home situation. The winner will face the LA Lakers in the western conference finals. This is the first game 7 for the Wolves in franchise history and if they win, they will go to the conference finals for the first time. This will be a very tough and physical game. For the Wolves, the Big 3 will need to come up big but Sam still has a back problem, so that will affect his game. I predict the Wolves win by 3 in a very close game.
     
  2. jbbSkip

    jbbSkip JBB JustBBall Member

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    Jesus Almighty, how long did this take you? Do you always have to post it this way, cause I wouldn't be able to do that, I can just forget about makin Kings vs Lakers thread later on then...

    Anyways, for Kings, BIBBY needs to come off on FIRE. He IS the leader of the team. He controls the ball, he sees the court, and he runs the whole operation, he goes down, Kings will go down with him. The game's outcome will depend on how well Bibby plays or not. But of course, Peja needs to keep shootin the ball well, and Webber needs to come through for the final game.

    For the Wolves... PSYCH!!!! Sorry Im not this biased, but I really wanna see Kings win it this year, they deserved it so long ago it's not even funny.

    KINGS GET THAT RING WHAT!!! [​IMG]
     
  3. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    A lot of imformation that probably isn't necessary but good job on the preview. I wish I had the time to read it all.[​IMG]

    This game can really go either way. IF the kings stay out of foul trouble, I'll go with them for the victory.

    Kings by 5.
     
  4. Henacy

    Henacy JBB The Man like Sam

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    Timberwolves will pull this game out. I think Sam is going to put the back injury to the side & come out with a huge performance. Right now in all honesty I think he going to have to be the guy to put this team on his tore down back & carry them to a victory. He has been in this spot before & seems to always step up, hopefully Wednesday's game will be no different.

    The Wolves need to jump on the Kings early & create momentum in the building. And then ride that momentum to a victory. Wolves by 8.
     
  5. jbbSkip

    jbbSkip JBB JustBBall Member

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    Henacy, let's make a bet.

    Whoever loses, gets to support a I LOVE BRAD PITT signature with him topless... or... JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.
     
  6. jbbSpree

    jbbSpree JBB JustBBall Member

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    im up 4 a bet!.. ill take off my brand new wolves sig for a kings one... or even brad pitt topless if the wolves lose this one! in saying that.. my prediction is wolves!!
     
  7. PLATWolve

    PLATWolve JBB JustBBall Member

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    Well - both teams can win this game. But, w/out any depth in the Kings lineup, they're already hurting big time. If the Wolves go aggressive to the basket and start putting the Kings in foul trouble early, the game is over with. You get Miller, Bibby, Peja in foul trouble early and Adelman has to go to his bench of players who have very limited minutes or none at all and it won't even be a game.

    T-Wolves win this game by at least 5+ points.
     
  8. Henacy

    Henacy JBB The Man like Sam

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Skip:</div><div class="quote_post">Henacy, let's make a bet.

    Whoever loses, gets to support a I LOVE BRAD PITT signature with him topless... or... JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.</div>

    I will do it as long as it says on the sig, that Iam doing it because I lost a bet. I dont want people to think Iam into any funny business. but no doubt Iam up for a friendly bet.


    Maybe Supersonic or one of RDT designers can make the sig because I sure dont know how to?
     
  9. Rave

    Rave JBB JustBBall Member

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    I think Cassell will be the biggest factor and will pull them through with KG close behind. They'll be carrying the game, likewise for the Kings except with Christie and Bibby instead. Christie is gonna have to be his offensive self and try to get the rest of the Kings in their best defensive states. I say Timberwolves in a tough last quarter battle by 4 97-93.
     
  10. TWolfFanatic

    TWolfFanatic JBB JustBBall Member

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    With all due respect, the biggest keys to me tomorrow night will be Spree & KG. I'm betting that th KG will be poised & in obliteration mode tomorrow night & I'm betting that Spree will try & run the ball down the Kings' throats all night tomorrow night.

    I was just listening to PA & Dubay & something that PA said makes perfect sense: "I don't want KG passing when he's open in the lane. I don't want KG worrying about getting his teammates involved when he's one on one. I want KG to score 40 & put the Kings on their heals all night." AMEN PA. I just want him trying to do that without being psyched.

    If we win the free throw contest, we'll win because that means we're being aggressive. I'm betting that Spree will get to the line 8-10 times & KG another 10-12 times. If those things happen, the Kings lose. Simple as that.

    UPDATE:

    They just showed Rick Adelman's interview on ESPNNews. He's trying to play mind games with KG. Now he's inferring that the fight was KG's fault because "he sets alot of illegal picks. We sent film of them to the league office but they haven't done anything about it."

    Rick, let's get something straight: KG sets some of the most textbook pix in the business. In fact, if Miller would've set his pick against Martin in Game 5 like KG sets his pix, Miller would've been protected from Martin's elbow. If anyone's guilty of setting illegal pix, it's Vlade & Miller, especially Vlade. He's never stationary. NEVER. Miller is better about it but he's still moving on alot of pix.

    FWIW, KG's comments about uzis & 9's & grenades wasn't appropriate.
     
  11. Sabretooth

    Sabretooth JBB JustBBall Member

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    I feel the bottomline is this.....

    Sam needs to play and shut-up on every call. I think he will because he should see how big this game is.

    And KG needs to sport the "Ride of Die" attitude.

    It's showtime baby, and you either rise to the occasion or step aside.

    Another huge point is what Christie's wife wants. If she says the game has gone on long enough, expect him to take a seat and keep pointing at the sky. Joking, I respected the hell out of him, until his "arrangment" was explained.
     
  12. Big Zee

    Big Zee JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sabretooth:</div><div class="quote_post">Another huge point is what Christie's wife wants. If she says the game has gone on long enough, expect him to take a seat and keep pointing at the sky. Joking, I respected the hell out of him, until his "arrangment" was explained.</div>
    What arrangement? Just curious, I know he's whipped, but do they have an arrangement that he can only play a certain amount of minutes?
     
  13. TWolfFanatic

    TWolfFanatic JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Big Zee:</div><div class="quote_post">What arrangement? Just curious, I know he's whipped, but do they have an arrangement that he can only play a certain amount of minutes?</div>

    I think the arrangement is his being a whipped puppy dog & not standing up for himself. If she's that insecure about her husband's fidelity, why even get married? Is it because she's a gold-digger? Her following him around is bizarre at best & posessive & manipulative at worst.
     
  14. jbbSkip

    jbbSkip JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe Supersonic or one of RDT designers can make the sig because I sure dont know how to?</div>

    Who would you like though?

    I'd like Sasha to make it.
     
  15. jbbSkip

    jbbSkip JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I will do it as long as it says on the sig, that Iam doing it because I lost a bet. I dont want people to think Iam into any funny business. but no doubt I am up for a friendly bet.</div>

    Actually know what, forget the part about losin a bet cause that'd be no fun... it's better for people to think somethin... :mrgreen: don't ***** out tho, unless you dont have nuff faith on Wolves...
     
  16. twolvefan11

    twolvefan11 JBB Banned Member

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    This will be a fun game to watch, it will be even more fun if the Wolves win, which I think they will by 3.
     
  17. Streetball2k5

    Streetball2k5 JBB JustBBall Member

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    This should be a great game, infact, IMO it will be a game for the ages. Double Overtime and the Wolves will pull out a 123-119 win. Good luck both teams.
     
  18. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    The odds are certainly with the Wolves tonight playing at home in a game 7. We'll see if history repeats itself.
     
  19. jbbSkip

    jbbSkip JBB JustBBall Member

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    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]







    .... KEVIN GARNETT IS A M-O-N-S-T-E-R!!!!

    Big up to KG... he's the one, this year belongs to him now...
     
  20. raps15__

    raps15__ JBB JustBBall Member

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    Garnett was a monster. I mean he was a Center, a Power Forward, heck even a Point Guard.
     

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