NBA Sprewell powers 'Wolves

The Timberwolves took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- With Latrell Sprewell slashing and scoring, the Minnesota Timberwolves moved within one win of the Western Conference finals.
Sprewell had 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves, who beat the Sacramento Kings 86-74 Friday night to take a 3-2 lead in their conference semifinal series.
Game 6 is Sunday in Sacramento. Game 7, if necessary, would be Wednesday in Minneapolis. But the Kings will have to shoot and play a lot better if they want to force a Game 7.
Brad Miller was ejected late in the third quarter without scoring, and Chris Webber labored for 13 points on 5-for-16 shooting. Leading scorer Peja Stojakovic disappeared once again, going 0-for-4 in the second half and finishing with 12 points.
Cold shooting
Sacramento's much-celebrated offense missed two-thirds of its shots -- going 27-for-81.
Much of the credit goes to Minnesota's defense. After a woeful performance in Game 4, the Wolves were aggressive and tenacious at both ends of the court.
Kevin Garnett, who had seven points, three rebounds and seven turnovers in the first half, wound up with 23 points and 12 rebounds. He helped hound Webber and Miller on defense, too. The pair had combined for 48 points in Game 4.
The series has become increasingly testy in the last two games, and Miller, one of Sacramento's most emotional players, lost his temper late in the third quarter.
Minnesota's Darrick Martin collided with Miller while fighting through a screen and hit him in the midsection. Martin fell face-first on the floor, and an enraged Miller went over and shoved him hard in the back. Referee Steve Javie immediately gave both players a technical foul and ejected both.