Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Garnett validated his MVP award and put the Minnesota Timberwolves into the Western Conference finals.

Garnett had 32 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks on his 28th birthday, and the Timberwolves held on to beat the Sacramento Kings 83-80 Wednesday in Game 7 of their semifinal series.

The victory wasn't assured until Chris Webber's 3-point attempt went in and out at the final buzzer, giving Sacramento a Game 7 playoff loss for a third straight year.

"We ran out of time to catch up," Kings coach Rick Adelman said.

Minnesota will host the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been idle since Saturday, in Game 1 of the conference finals Friday night.

With the Timberwolves clinging to a three-point lead, the Kings had a final possession to tie. Doug Christie's off-balance 3-pointer was an airball, and Brad Miller's layup attempt off the rebound was blocked by Garnett into the seats.

The Kings got another inbounds pass with 2.2 seconds remaining. Garnett guarded Webber, then avoided fouling him as he attempted his 3-pointer.

Webber, who had 16 points, collapsed to his knees in disappointment. Garnett went to hug Webber before saluting the sellout crowd of 19,944.

"It feels great to win, especially on my birthday," Garnett said.

Christie had 21 points for Sacramento, Mike Bibby added 15 points and Miller had 11.

Sam Cassell returned to form with 23 points and seven assists for Minnesota.

The Kings, who trailed by as many as 13 in the first half, were down by only four when Garnett delivered a big blow. As the shot clock ran down, he hit a 3-pointer over Miller and Bibby to make it 77-70 Minnesota with 3:39 remaining.