Kobe Bryant scored 32 points and the Los Angeles Lakers got some help from the bench as they routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-90 in NBA playoff action on Tuesday.
Shaquille O'Neal added 27 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who had five players in double-figures in the easy win.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The three-time defending champions lead the best-of-seven Western Conference series 3-2 with Game Six in Los Angeles today.
The Lakers led by 10 points at the half and stretched that to 21 by the three quarter mark.
They pulled ahead even further in the final quarter as the T-Wolves couldn't stop their balanced scoring attack.
Derek Fisher had 24 points for the Lakers, while Robert Horry added 12.
The Lakers were 12-for23 from 3-point range.
The sellout crowd was loud early but was silenced quickly as the Timberwolves slipped to the verge of elimination yet again.
Minnesota has lost in the first round of the playoffs for six straight years.
Kevin Garnett led Minnesota with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Troy Hudson had 14 points and seven assists.
Pacers 93, Celtics 88 (OT)
In Indianapolis, Ron Artest scored 26 points, including three key free throws in overtime, as the Indiana Pacers avoided playoff elimination with a 93-88 win over the Boston Celtics.
The Pacers still trail the series 3-2, with Game Six in Boston on Thursday.
Jermaine O'Neal's jumper accounted for the only other points in the overtime period as Indiana out-scored Boston 5-0.
Artest added 10 rebounds while O'Neal finished with 19 points and 22 boards.
Antonie Walker's 21 points led Boston, while Tony Delk added 19 points.
Nets 89, Bucks 82
In East Rutherford, Richard Jefferson scored 17 points and hauled down 16 rebounds as the New Jersey Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 89-82.
New Jersey now has a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference opening round series. Game Six is in Milwaukee today.
Jason Kidd had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Nets, while Kerry Kittles added 15.
New Jersey is seeking to repeat as Eastern Conference champions.
Toni Kukoc scored 18 points to lead the Bucks, while Sam Cassell and Gary Payton both added 16.
Spurs 94, Suns 82
In San Antonio, Malik Rose had 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Spurs past the Phoenix Suns 94-82.
San Antonio leads the best-of-seven Western Conference opening round series 3-2. Game Six in the series is on Thursday in Phoenix.
Tim Duncan added 23 points and 17 rebounds for the Spurs.
Shawn Marion led Phoenix with 22 points, while Penny Hardaway had 16 points.
Amare Stoudemire added 14, while Stephon Marbury had 13 points after being held scoreless in the first half.
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