Timberwolves Clinch Series

Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up another playoff series -- and they’re finally moving on instead of heading home.

Garnett had 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to lead the Timberwolves to a 102-91 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night at Minneapolis, ending an NBA record streak of seven consecutive first-round losses.

Minnesota, which took the best-of-seven series, 4-1, will play host to Sacramento in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday.

Marcus Camby and Andre Miller each scored 21 points for the Nuggets, who were rooted on by their star rookie, Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony’s sprained left knee wasn’t strong enough to let him play. Though the 19-year-old’s postseason debut was quiet, Denver wasn’t the same with Jon Barry in the starting lineup.

Sam Cassell had 26 points and Latrell Sprewell scored 15 of his 19 in the first half for the Timberwolves, who got 72% of their scoring in this game from their leading trio.

Garnett scored Minnesota’s first six points of the fourth quarter -- a dunk, two free throws and a turnaround -- to bump the lead to 80-68 with 10 minutes left. Denver came within nine twice after that, but no closer.

Miami 87, New Orleans 83 -- Dwyane Wade’s three-pointer with 54 seconds to play delighted 20,147 boisterous, black-clad fans and put his team ahead to stay in a victory over the Hornets at Miami that gave the Heat a 3-2 lead in a first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

The home team has won all five games, and the Heat has won 15 consecutive games in Miami. It can close out the series with a victory Sunday in New Orleans, but Miami is 13-30 on the road this season.

New Orleans led by 11 points in the first half but squandered a 33-point effort by Baron Davis.