Dec

6

Nash, Stoudemire Help Suns Snap Kings’ 4-Game Win Streak; Prevail 115-107

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap 

Steve Nash

Typically, one would think that if the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns got together for a contest, in most instances, Phoenix would prevail. Which would make perfect sense since the Kings are a young, up-and-coming squad that will get better over time while the Suns already have Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and a good cast of supporting players. Both teams got together Saturday night over at U.S. Airways Center in a contest that would show some mediocre shooting from both sides, but five 3-pointers by the Suns in the last six minutes would prove to be the Kings’ undoing as Phoenix would get past Sacramento 115-107.

The first twelve minutes were played rather tightly until Nash converted on a rare four-point play with 1:32 left in the quarter; Robin Lopez added 4 points in a 27-second span late in the period boosted the Suns’ advantage to nine at 35-26. Lopez’  jumper 23 seconds into the second quarter gave Phoenix their first double-digit lead but Sacramento would chip away and get to within two on a Sergio Rodriguez trey; the Kings would regain the lead 31 seconds later on an Andres Nocioni three-pointer. The Suns would regain the lead and would build it to 50-55 on a Jason Richardson jumper as the horn sounded, ending the first half.

The Kings would yet again regain the lead on a pair of Nocioni free throws with 8:32 left in the third quarter; both teams kept it close but Sacramento would take to the final period a slim 83-82 lead. Phoenix would regain the lead on a free throw and basket by Grant Hill at the 11:18 mark of the fourth quarter; they would build their lead up to nine and ice the game on a Nash three-pointer with 1:09 remaining in the contest.

Nash led all Suns scorers with 32 points (including three 3-pointers), 2 rebounds and 6 assists while Stoudemire added 18 with 21 rebounds and a block; Jason Richardson chipped in 16 with 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals while Channing Frye poured in 15 (including 4 treys) with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 2 blocks.

The Kings had six players in double-digits, led by Tyreke Evans with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals while Nocioni added 20 (including 4 treys) with 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal; Kenny Thomas grabbed 18 boards in a losing effort by the Kings. Phoenix (15-5) makes the short trip to Los Angeles as they take on the Lakers Sunday while Sacramento (9-9) returns home to host the Miami Heat – also on Sunday.


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