Steve Nash dished out 20 assists and scored 18
points to lead the Phoenix Suns in a 123-101 laugher over the Warriors at US
Airways Center.
Nash, who recorded his sixth career game with at least 20 assists, also hauled
in six rebounds for Phoenix, which has dominated Golden State at home
recently, winning nine straight overall.
"For me, I want to win the game. If I get five assists or 20 assists and we
win, it doesn't matter," said Nash. "If you get a bunch of assists it means a
lot of guys are scoring, which is nice."
Channing Frye went 6-of-7 from three-point range and ended with 22 points for
the Suns, who improved to 2-0 on the year. Leandro Barbosa totaled 24 points
and Amare Stoudemire 20 in the convincing win. Grant Hill scored 18 points.
Monta Ellis donated 19 points and Kelenna Azubuike 17 for Golden State, which
fell to 0-2 on the young season. Stephen Jackson totaled 13 points, while
Anthony Randolph and Stephen Curry gave 12 points apiece. Andris Biedrins
tallied 10 boards and eight points.
The Suns jumped out to a 28-24 lead after the first quarter, and increased
their lead to 62-51 at the break.
Phoenix's lead hovered around 10 points in the third, and Frye's three-pointer
made it 72-59 just prior to the midway point.
Moments later, Nash hit a three to give the Suns a 14-point edge.
"He did a great job tonight," admitted Jackson. "That's the Steve Nash that
won back-to-back MVPs. He looked real good tonight. If he plays like that all
year, they'll have a good season."
Leading by 11 later in the third, Stoudemire's jumper sparked an 11-0 run.
Louis Amundson's layup closed out the run and gave the home team a 92-70 lead
with 1:22 left in the frame.
Jackson's three points closed it to 92-73 headed to the final 12 minutes.
The Suns' lead was never seriously threatened in the fourth.
Game Notes
Nash's last 20-assist night came on February 28, 2009 at Detroit...Phoenix
shot a stellar 53.6 percent from the field, while Golden State hit at a 42.4
percent clip...The Suns also had more rebounds, 47-38...The Suns won their
10th straight home game. Their last loss at home came on March 12, 2009
against Cleveland...The last Warriors win in Phoenix came on March 18, 2005.
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