The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - The Los Angeles Lakers snapped back to life, with everyone from Kobe Bryant to Derek Fisher to Robert Horry to Shaquille O'Neal showing championship form.

Bryant had 16 of his 32 points in the third quarter, O'Neal added 27 points, Fisher had 24 and Horry 12 Tuesday night to put the Minnesota Timberwolves on the brink of elimination with a 120-90 victory.

The Lakers lead the series 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday in Los Angeles, with Game 7 - if it's necessary - back in Minneapolis on Saturday.

If the Lakers play this way again, it won't be necessary.

Stretching a 10-point halftime lead to 21 by the end of the third quarter and to 30 late in the fourth, the three-time defending champions rediscovered their shooting touch and their offensive flow.

Nets 89, Bucks 82

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Richard Jefferson had 17 points and a career-best 16 rebounds and the Nets made 11 of 12 free throws in the final 2:35 for a 3-2 lead in their first-round series.

Jason Kidd added 19 points, six rebounds and five assists and Kerry Kittles had 15 points for the defending Eastern Conference champions. The Nets can clinch the best-of-seven series by winning Thursday in Milwaukee or in New Jersey on Saturday if the Bucks force a deciding game.

Toni Kukoc had 18 points and Sam Cassell and Gary Payton added 16 apiece for Milwaukee.

Spurs 94, Suns 82

SAN ANTONIO - The Spurs opened a double-digit lead in the first quarter, extended it to 24 by halftime and held off a rally to taked a 3-2 lead in their series.

The Suns, who erased big leads in both of their victories, made the second half worth watching.

They opened the third quarter with a 19-5 run that trimmed San Antonio's advantage to 59-49, but the Spurs put together a string of baskets to restore their lead to 19 by the end of the quarter.

Phoenix charged again in the fourth period, pulling within six, 85-79, with 1:49 to play on a drive by Stephon Marbury. But the Spurs hit their foul shots down the stretch to secure the win.

Malik Rose led the Spurs with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Tim Duncan added 23 points and 17 rebounds.

Shawn Marion led the Suns with 22 points.

Pacers 93, Celtics 88

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana had the first overtime shutout in NBA playoff history, keeping the Celtics from advancing to the second round.

The Pacers scored all five points in overtime. Boston still leads 3-2 and returns home for Game 6 on Thursday. Only six teams have come back from 3-1 deficits, only two since 1981.

Ron Artest finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, making the go-ahead free throw in overtime after blocking Paul Pierce's shot at the end of regulation, and Jermaine O'Neal had 19 points and 22 rebounds.

Antoine Walker led the Celtics with 21 points.