Lakers take Western Conference Opener (game 1)

Two days after closing out Sacramento in a rigorous game 7 at Target Center, the Timberwolves opened up the Western Conference Finals with a 97-88 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaquille O'Neal carried the show scoring 27 points while grabbing 18 rebounds. Shaq also was 9 for 11 from the free throw line. A tired Wolves team struggled to get their points, getting just 16 from Kevin Garnett and 23 from Latrell Sprewell. Sam Cassell, who has been nursing a back injury, chipped in 16 points in just 32 minutes of play.

Photos by Marilyn Indahl