Minnesota Survives Close Call

Kevin Garnett’s determination has the Minnesota Timberwolves within one game of reaching the second round.

Garnett had 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists Tuesday night, helping the Timberwolves hold off the Nuggets, 84-82, for a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series at Denver.

Garnett had several heated exchanges with the Nuggets after being pushed around in Game 3 but kept his cool this time. He made eight of 17 shots and 11 of 15 free throws to put Minnesota in position to get past the opening round for the first time in eight tries.

It almost wasn’t enough.

Minnesota led by eight midway through the fourth quarter, but Marcus Camby cut it to 76-74 on a three-point play with 4:43 left.

The Timberwolves pushed it back to a six-point lead, but Voshon Lenard made a three-point basket and had a steal that led to another three-pointer that made it 81-80 with 1:14 left.

Latrell Sprewell answered with a three-pointer in the corner, then Nene scored on a dunk to make it 84-82 with 18 seconds left. Sprewell missed two free throws with 12 seconds remaining at the other end. But Andre Miller missed a shot in the lane and Lenard was nowhere close on a turnaround at the buzzer.

Lenard had 28 points for Denver on a night in which Carmelo Anthony had only two on one-of-16 shooting.

New Orleans 96, Miami 85 -- Baron Davis had 23 points and 10 assists and 13-year veteran reserve Stacy Augmon had 17 points, including two shot-clock beaters in the final period, to help the Hornets even their series with the Heat at two games apiece in New Orleans.

“Tying it up puts a little more pressure on them to hold serve on their home court,” Davis said. “We’re going in there with the utmost confidence.”

Miami was hurt by a late mistake by rookie Dwyane Wade, who failed to inbound the ball before the requisite five seconds with 53.6 seconds left and the Hornets leading, 88-82. After that, the Heat was forced to foul and the Hornets pulled away.

Augmon and another veteran role player, George Lynch, combined to make 11 of 16 shots as Lynch finished with 11 points.

Lamar Odom had 25 points for Miami, which led by three going into the final quarter.