National Basketball Association Playoff Game Capsules

Auburn Hills, MI (Basketball News) - Richard Jefferson scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead New Jersey over Detroit, 127-120, in three overtimes at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal set. Kenyon Martin added 22 points and nine boards before fouling out late in the fourth quarter for the Nets, who have won three straight games to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. New Jersey is now just one win away from its first playoff series victory in which it has rallied from a 2-0 deficit. Chauncey Billups sent the game into overtime on a shot at the fourth- quarter buzzer from just inside half court for the Pistons, who are in danger of losing their first ever playoff series after taking the first two games. Billups finished with 31 points as Detroit lost for just the fourth time in its last 14 home playoff games. Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at the Meadowlands. It was only the third time in NBA playoff history that a game went to three overtimes. The last time was on June 13, 1993 when the Suns and Bulls played 15 extra minutes in the NBA Finals.

Final Score: Minnesota 86, Sacramento 74

Minneapolis, MN (Basketball News) - Latrell Sprewell poured in a game-high 34 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to an 86-74 win over Sacramento in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series at the Target Center. Kevin Garnett posted a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who took a three-games-to-two lead in the best-of-seven series. In addition to his point total, Sprewell grabbed seven rebounds and handed out six assists. Mike Bibby paced the Kings with 14 points, while dishing off six assists. Chris Webber and Peja Stojakovic chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, in the losing effort. Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday in Sacramento at ARCO Arena.