Portland Blows Chance to Move Closer to Lakers

In a game decided by Smiths, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ version got hot at the right time.

Joe Smith scored 12 points in the last 7:05, including a desperate bank shot with 15.1 seconds to play, to help the Timberwolves to a 96-92 victory over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night at Portland, Ore.

“It might have been the game-winner for HORSE,” said Smith, who was outdueled by Portland’s Steve Smith for the first half of the fourth quarter. “When I got it, I tried to put it as close to the rim as possible.”

Steve Smith, who also scored 12 points in the quarter, made a 13-foot baseline jumper to cut Minnesota’s lead to 91-89 with 40.3 seconds to play. At the other end, Kevin Garnett had the ball stripped by Scottie Pippen, but the ball bounced to Joe Smith, who heaved a 17-foot shot off the glass to barely beat the shot clock and make the score 93-89.

“He made an unbelievable shot when we needed it,” said Garnett, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds. “I was yelling, ‘Yo dog, you got two [seconds],’ and he shot it and won it for us.”

After a timeout, Pippen’s inbounds pass was picked off by Garnett, who passed to Malik Sealy for the clinching dunk with 5.1 seconds remaining.

Terrell Brandon had 25 points to lead the Timberwolves, who have won six of their last seven road games. Smith and Wally Szczerbiak each had 16 points.

Minnesota not only tied the season series 2-2, it got a rare victory at Portland. The Timberwolves had lost 14 in a row at Portland and 18 of 19.

Pippen scored 21 and Rasheed Wallace and Steve Smith each had 19 to lead the Trail Blazers, who had won three in a row and had a chance to move a game closer to the Pacific Division-leading Lakers.

The Lakers, whose 19-game winning streak ended with a 109-102 loss to the Washington Wizards, still lead the Trail Blazers by four games.

Dallas 110, San Antonio 88--Erick Strickland scored 26 points and made five of his team’s 12 three-point baskets as the Mavericks romped at San Antonio for their first win in the Alamodome since 1996.

The Mavericks, only 27-37 and not close to playoff contention, have beaten the playoff-bound Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers and Spurs in the last six days after losing six in a row.

“Dallas was active in every way, shape and form,” San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich said. “Their aggression made a lot of things happen.

“We, on the other hand, were pitiful.”

Elliott started and played the first eight minutes, but he did not play in the second half after his right groin tightened up. He scored two points, making a baseline jumper, and pulled down four rebounds.

Seattle 117, Vancouver 103--Gary Payton scored 30 points and had 16 assists, one short of a career high, as the SuperSonics romped at Seattle, handing the Grizzlies their 10th consecutive loss.

Seattle forward Vin Baker, who sat out the last two games because of a strained left hamstring, scored 21 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Brent Barry also scored 21 points, including four three-point baskets.

Milwaukee 106, Houston 96--Ray Allen scored 28 points and Sam Cassell added 22 to lead the Bucks at Milwaukee.

Glenn Robinson added 19 as the Bucks handed Houston its fifth consecutive loss.

Rookie Steve Francis, who matched his season high with 32 points against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, scored 22 points to lead the Rockets.

Utah 107, Cleveland 86--Bryon Russell scored 13 points and Karl Malone 11 during a 36-8 third-quarter run that put the Jazz in control at Cleveland.

Howard Eisley led the Jazz with 24 points, 10 during the fourth quarter. Malone finished with 21 and Russell 18.