Kevin Garnett came up big with 30 points and 19 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves survived for another game with a 98-96 victory over Los Angeles in Game 5 Saturday night. Garnett also hit five free throws in the final 2:04 as Minnesota held on to a small lead. Derek Fisher hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to make the final score close.

"We know we play well at home," Garnett said. "That's where we have a lot of confidence. We came out with energy and forced the action."

Latrell Sprewell scored 28 points and Fred Hoiberg added 14 for the Timberwolves, who prevented the Lakers from winning a potential series-ending game for the first time since Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals.

It was a strange game all around for the Lakers, who were extraordinarily loose before the game -- coach Phil Jackson even said his team was "giddy."

Only seven teams in NBA history have recovered from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series, and the Lakers have never blown such a lead.

Injured All-Star Sam Cassell didn't suit up for the Timberwolves.