In games that could determine home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs, every possession, every substitution and every momentum-swinging basket is scrutinized.

The Timberwolves found themselves in that position Thursday night against Sacramento, the team with the best record in the Western Conference. Win the game, and the Wolves could continue their quest for home court throughout the conference playoffs. Lose, and they could find themselves with the third, possibly fourth, seed when the playoffs begin April 17.

Wolves coach Flip Saunders made the right calls, the right substitutions and the right timeouts to keep the Kings from going on a big run during Minnesota's 94-86 victory at Arco Arena. The Wolves outscored the Kings 33-17 in the final quarter.

"This was the biggest game of the year for us," Wolves guard Sam Cassell said. "It's that time of year where we have to buckle down. We have to be focused."

The victory moved the Wolves (55-24) a half-game ahead of the Kings (54-24) for the best record in the West.

"All this did was put us in position to take care of ourselves," Wolves coach Flip Saunders said.