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LOS ANGELES - Minnesota has a patchwork starting lineup that's missing an All-Star and it's making up its offensive schemes on the fly in the West final.
Still, as long as Kevin Garnett is in the middle of the chaos, the Timberwolves believe they have a shot at an improbable comeback.
After a 98-96 victory in Game 5 Saturday, Minnesota packed its bags for another trip to Los Angeles and another potential elimination game. Point guard Sam Cassell won't play tonight, missing his second straight game with back spasms.
But after ending the Lakers' streak of 12 straight victories in elimination games, the Timberwolves put the pressure back on Los Angeles to close it out. Nobody gives Minnesota much of a shot in Game 6, and the Timberwolves will play without the burden of expectations.
"That's what it's all about, is a chance to prove everybody wrong," Wally Szczerbiak said.
Only seven teams have recovered from a 3-1 deficit to win a series, and only 17 even forced a seventh game.
"This series, it's about protecting our homecourt," the Lakers' Kobe Bryant said. "We feel good, we feel confident. This is Game 7 for them. Our attitude is to win the game - win the game at all costs."
Garnett's supporting cast was little help in earlier losses in Los Angeles, making less than 40 percent of its shots.