On this date in 2004, The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, advancing to the NBA Finals despite a close game where the Timberwolves, missing an injured All-Star Sam Cassell, nearly forced a Game 7.

Here's the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:

LOS ANGELES - The Lakers never make it easy. They just keep winning and they've make it back to the NBA Finals.

Shaquille O'Neal had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Kareem Rush came from nowhere to hit six 3-pointers in Los Angeles' 96-90 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Confer- ence finals Monday night.

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points for the Lakers, who overcame Kevin Garnett, their constant bickering with the referees and O'Neal's hor

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