Kobe Bryant runs into Trenton Hassell in Saturday's gallery.
Elsa/Getty Images/NBAE

X-Factor: Wolves Clamp Down on Kobe

Hassell
Kobe Bryant scored all 22 of his points in the second half of Game 3 and he went off for 22 of his 31 points after halftime of Game 4. The Lakers won both games. Game 5, a 98-96 victory for Minnesota, was a different story. Bryant, who was hounded by Trenton Hassell and Latrell Sprewell, scored just nine of his 23 points in the second half and he was 0-for-1 from the field in the third quarter.

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May 29, 2004


VIRTUAL GM TOP EFFICIENCY
Kevin Garnett, Min.
VGM value: 28.8
Saturday: The MVP did it again, posting a plus-41 efficiency rating with 30 points, 19 rebounds and just one turnover.

VIRTUAL GM BEST BUY
Fred Hoiberg, Min.
VGM value: 7.3
Saturday: With Sam Cassell injured and Darrick Martin struggling, Hoiberg played 38 minutes and scored 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting.

TIME TO TUNE IN
Sunday on ESPN
Pistons at Pacers, 8 p.m. ET

SPEAK IT, MAN
"They were able to play almost perfect basketball."
-- Lakers coach Phil Jackson on the Timberwolves, who committed just six turnovers.