On This Date: Bibby, Stojakovic force Game 7 against Timberwolves

May 16, 2023, 10:26 AM

SACRAMENTO, CA - MAY 12: (Left to Right) Brad Miller #52 of the Sacramento Kings huddles with Chris...

(Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

On the heels of the Sacramento Kings’ first NBA Playoff appearance since 2006, expectations are high heading into the offseason.

While we wait for the NBA Draft and free agency process to begin in the coming weeks, let’s look back at some memorable Kings moments that took place on this date in the past.

May 15, 2004 – NBA Western Conference Semifinals – Game 6

Kings 104, Timberwolves 87 (Series tied 3-3)

With their backs against the wall, Sacramento forced a Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves after handling business in Game 6 at ARCO Arena by a final of 104-87.

After outscoring the T-Wolves 33-14 during the second quarter–one that saw Mike Bibby score eight points–the writing was on the wall as Sacramento never looked back on its way to a much-needed victory.

The Kings held Minnesota scoreless over the final 3:25 of play en route to a comfortable win that would send the series back to Target Center for a winner-take-all Game 7.

Bibby finished Game 6 with 16 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals while shooting seven-of-14 from the field.

Peja Stojakovic remained red-hot from three during the win, knocking down four of his seven attempts from beyond the arc while scoring a team-high 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

Brad Miller scored 17 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and handed out five assists off the Kings bench, while Doug Christie (16 points) and Chris Webber (14 points) contributed on the offensive end for Sacramento, who finished the game having shot 50 percent from the field.

Of course, one of the more memorable aspects of this Game 6 showdown was the altercation that took place between former T-Wolves teammates Anthony Peeler and Kevin Garnett.

Peeler and Garnett got tangled up during the final seconds of the third quarter, which ended with elbows being thrown and Peeler being ejected.

The NBA suspended Peeler for Game 7, while Garnett only received a fine for his role in the skirmish.

“The last guy who makes the blow is always the one who gets suspended,” Peeler said of the suspension.

Minnesota went on to win the series in a nail-biting Game 7, but this Game 6 will always be remembered by Kings fans for a few reasons, but arguably non greater than Peeler’s elbow to Garnett’s jaw.