Kings outbattle 'Wolves again to even series 3-3

Detroit forced a Game 7 in its series with New Jersey.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves deny there's bad blood between them.
They're chalking up all their scuffles to playoff intensity.
"It's physical. What can you say?" Minnesota's Latrell Sprewell said after tempers flared again in the second-round series.
Chris Webber guaranteed a Game 7, and he got all kinds of help in making it happen -- even teammate Anthony Peeler's ejection for throwing elbows at league MVP Kevin Garnett had the Kings feeling good.
Mike Bibby had 16 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and three steals despite foul trouble and the energetic Kings used an inspired effort on both ends of the floor to survive elimination, beating the Timberwolves 104-87 in Game 6 Sunday.
Game 7 in Minneapolis
Game 7 is Wednesday night in Minneapolis, with the winner advancing to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Right now is the time we all dreamed about: Game 7," Webber said. "We're ready. I'm very confident, but no more predictions."
Peja Stojakovic finally found his shot, scoring 22 points and swishing a long 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer that gave Sacramento the momentum in another testy affair between these teams. Webber had 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
"The good thing is, we've been in this situation before," Webber said. "So I feel comfortable going into it."
Doug Christie had 16 points and sparked a strong defensive effort against Garnett and company.
Leading Timberwolves
Sprewell scored 27 points and Garnett added 19, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Timberwolves. Sam Cassell scored 16 points before fouling out with 2:32 remaining, and he was hit with a technical afterward for arguing.
Peeler was ejected with 13.5 seconds to go in the third after throwing an elbow at Garnett. Peeler, who claimed Garnett tried to hit him in the throat, had also elbowed Garnett on the previous possession, then Garnett stuck his elbow into Peeler's chest when the Kings came down on offense.
Garnett was still grimacing from the previous hit when Peeler struck him again and immediately got thrown out. The two have been sparring all series.
"I feel everybody should have gotten kicked out," Peeler said. "It always takes two people to fight. It's never one person."
Garnett also received a technical and went to the bench. The fans then started throwing glow sticks used for pregame festivities onto the court. Vlade Divac lightly shoved a Minnesota assistant coach during the scuffle but was quickly pushed away.
"This is not a class act," Garnett said. "I think you should have a little more respect for the game."
Pistons 81, Nets 75
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Detroit's Richard Hamilton pump-faked Jason Kidd of New Jersey off his feet and hit a clutch 18-footer with 15.5 seconds remaining, capping a 24-point performance.
Game 7 is Thursday night in Auburn Hills.
Hamilton's final shot capped an 11-for-24 performance that also included five rebounds and four assists. Rasheed Wallace added 14 points, and Ben Wallace grabbed 20 rebounds.
Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 23 points.
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