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The San Antonio Spurs seem to have the Phoenix Suns’?number – especially during the playoffs.? Tuesday’s game between San Antonio and Phoenix was most definitely a must-win game for the Suns; unfortunately for Phoenix, San Antonio’s two top players, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were a 2-man wrecking crew as they combined for 60 points, sending San Antonio to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, defeating Phoenix 92-87.

Shaquille O’Neal’s dunk with 7:08 left in the first half put Phoenix up 39?-36; Boris Diaw had a hand in the Suns’ scoring as he had 12 points in the first half.? He also helped put the Suns up 43-40 with 4:31 left in the first quarter; however, San Antonio closed the half with an 11-2 run led by Parker – who had 20 first-half points – which gave the Spurs a 54-45 lead at halftime.? The Suns would go on a 15-2 run in the third quarter – with O’Neal on the bench – to take the lead; Raja Bell’s jumper put the Suns up 62-60 and his 3-pointer would put Phoenix up 65-62.? Diaw’s dunk gave the Suns a 67-62 lead with 2:14 left in the period; they would lead for the rest of the period and go into the final quarter leading 72-69.

But San Antonio would battle back as Duncan’s basket gave the Spurs a 77-76 lead with 6:43 left in the game; Nash’s basket put the Suns back up 82-81 with 3:10 left.? After Parker’s jumper put San Antonio up 85-82, Nash would reply with a 3-pointer to tie the game; The Spurs’ Parker was fouled by Nash, of which Parker would make 1-of-2 free throws, giving San Antonio a 1-point cushion.? Parker’s jumper with 29 ticks on the clock gave the Spurs an 88-85 lead – icing the game.

San Antonio was led by Parker with 31 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and a steal while Duncan scored 29 with 17 rebounds, a steal and 3 blocks; Kurt Thomas grabbed 12 rebounds.? Phoenix was led by Diaw with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and a block while Amare Stoudemire scored 15 with 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks; Bell added 14 with 3 treys, 8 rebounds and an assist.? San Antonio advances to the second round as they will face the New Orleans Hornets – winners of their series against the Dallas Mavericks – Saturday at New Orleans.