In Friday’s game pitting the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, it is a safe assumption that the fans at Arco Arena definitely got their money’s worth as both teams played a hard-fought game; unfortunately for Sacramento, the Shaquille O’Neal of a few years ago decided to come out to play; O’Neal scored 29 points, leading Phoenix to a narrow 97-95 win over Sacramento.  What makes the win more impressive is the Suns were short-handed as guard Steve Nash was out due to a one-game suspension, Matt Barnes is serving a two-game suspension while Leandro Barbosa will be gone indefinitely because of the death of his mother.  Meanwhile, Sacramento was without its leading scorer Kevin Martin (ankle) and Francisco Garcia.

The Suns had the upper hand in the first half as they took into their locker room a 53-42 lead; but the Kings would slowly chip away at their lead, going into the final period only down by nine at 70-61.  With 5 seconds left in regulation, Sacramento had their last – and best – chance to win the game as the score was tied and Brad Miller grabbed the rebound; following a pair of timeouts, the Kings’ Quincy Douby missed an open jumper, which sent the game into overtime.

Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire, who was pretty quiet throughout the game, made his presence known during the extra period as he scored a pair of baskets to open the period; but the Kings’ Steve Hawes took a pass from Miller and tied the game at 95 with 13.9 seconds left in OT.  Following a timeout, Stoudemire hit paydirt on a broken play as he scored, giving Phoenix a 97-95 lead with 4.5 seconds left to go; The Kings’ John Salmons drove the baseline but his shot was partially blocked by Stoudemire.  Hawes got the rebound but his putback was rejected by Stoudemire, icing the game for Phoenix.

The Suns’ leading scorer was O’Neal with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a blocked shot while Grant Hill added 22 with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals but 7 turnovers.  Salmons led the Kings’ scorers with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a blocked shot while Miller added 20 with 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot; Beno Udrih pitched in, scoring 18 (including 3 treys) with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.  Phoenix (7-3) plays again on Sunday when they return home to host the Detroit Pistons while Sacramento (4-6) remains home to host the San Antonio Spurs – also on Sunday.