After 7 straight years of one and done, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally found post season success on Friday April 30 as they eliminated the Denver Nuggets, winning game 5 of their first round series 102-91. Kevin Garnett once again led the way, scoring 28 points for Minnesota. Sam Cassell added 26 and Latrell Sprewell tossed in 19. Minnesota led the game by as many as 26 points in the first half before Denver made a run, eventually cutting the Wolves lead to just 6 late in the third quarter. That's when Garnett took over. "I have been in a lot of series and I have been in that position before and I knew we needed a lift," he said. "I called all the sets. I told the team that I am going to put it on my back. I have learned from experience."

Minnesota now faces Sacramento in the Western Conference semifinals. It's the first time these two teams have met in the post season. Minnesota won the regular season series from the Kings this year, taking 3 out of 4 games.

Photos by Tom Dahlin