NBA PLAYOFFS Behind Christie, Kings even series

Doug Christie's play was multi-faceted as Sacramento caught up to Dallas.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Doug Christie didn't need to be told that the Sacramento Kings missed just one free throw in 32 tries.
He knew perfectly well.
"It was me," Christie said, chuckling.
Christie's only flaw was that missed free throw in the first quarter.
He had 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal to lead the Kings to a 115-109 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, evening the Western Conference semifinal series 3-3. Game 7 is Saturday night in Dallas.
"I was blessed with some ability and my job is to make this team go, whatever way," Christie said. "I was just very focused and tried to do anything and everything I could."
Van Exel sparkles
Nick Van Exel nearly single-handedly put Dallas into the conference finals for only the second time, scoring 35 points on 15-for-23 shooting in 37 minutes.
He leapt high for a rebound and scored on a put-back with 8:16 remaining for a 95-94 lead, but the Mavs then didn't make another basket for 5:05.
"We had a great advantage up 3-2," Van Exel said. "We needed to take care of this tonight. We let it slip away."
Peja Stojakovic had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who played their fourth game in the series without injured star Chris Webber. Sacramento overcame a sluggish first quarter and converted 31 of 32 free throws, including 30 straight after Christie's miss.
One win away
The Mavs remain one win away from advancing to the conference finals, while the Kings' quest for the franchise's first title in 52 years is still alive.
Dirk Nowitzki added 21 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas, while Michael Finley had 21 points, seven boards and four assists.
Reserves Bobby Jackson and Jim Jackson had 21 and 16 points, respectively, for the Kings.