Nov

16

Barbosa’s 25 enable Suns to burn Bulls 112-102

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Main 

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Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, right, attempts a shot over Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas, left, in the third quarter of the Chicago Bulls-Phoenix Suns game played Thursday. Barbosa led all Suns scorers, scoring 25 points from the bench, as Phoenix beat Chicago 112-102.

?If ever there was a candidate for the Sixth Man award at this juncture of the season, Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa would have to garner some consideration; the problem is that he’s playing so well right now that he may be a starter in the Suns’ backcourt pretty soon.? Barbosa’s five 3-pointers were instrumental in allowing the Suns to beat the Chicago Bulls at Phoenix.

Barbosa, who scored 16 points in the second quarter, hit three straight 3-point baskets in an 11-3 run that put Phoenix ahead 56-41 with 1:09 left in the half.? But Chicago guard Ben Gordon sank a 3-pointer of his own and forward Luol Deng made a layup to narrow the gap to 56-46 at halftime.

5 consecutive points by Suns F Shawn Marion gave Phoenix a 62-48 leadbefore the Bulls launched their rally.? Chicago finished the 3d quarter with an 11-1 run to tie the score at 75 on G Kirk Hinrich’s jumper with 21 seconds to go in the period.? But Chicago took the lead with 2 free throws by F Tyrus Thomas , making the score 76-75 starting the 4th quarter.

But the nail in the coffin was Suns F/C Boris Diaw’s 3-point play that gave Phoenix the lead for good at 88-85.? The Bulls got to within one, but a 9-0 spurt put Phoenix in control?for the rest of the game.? Barbosa’s 25 points led all Suns scorers, while F Grant?Hill added 24 and the aforementioned Marion contributed 21 and 9 rebounds.? Center Amare Stoudemire had a nice game as well, adding 14 points with 6 blocks.

Chicago was led by Gordon with 24 points; Deng added 23 and 9 rebounds while F Andres Nocioni chipped in 18.? Phoenix (7-2),?now winners of 4 straight, fly to Houston to face the Rockets on Saturday, while Chicago (1-6) go to Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Clippers, also on Saturday night.?


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