Mon Jan 7 16:17:18 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Nash continues to shine for Suns

---

(Sports Network) - Two-time MVP Steve Nash is having another great season for the Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Suns, who own a 1 1/2 games lead over the second place Los Angeles Lakers.

Nash is averaging 17.3 points and an NBA-best 12.3 assists per game. The Santa Clara product has collected 10 or more assists in nine straight games and has posted 24 double-doubles this season.

The 33-year-old Nash has registered 14.5 points and 12.3 assists in his last 10 outings. He has logged over 30 minutes in 29 of Phoenix' 33 games this season.

Amare Stoudemire leads the Suns in scoring (22.1 ppg), while Shawn Marion is averaging a team-best 10.0 rebounds per game. Stoudemire is second on the team in rebounding (9.0 rpg).

Phoenix (23-10) has scored 100 or more points in 22 of its 23 victories. In five of their 10 losses, the Suns failed to reach the century mark.

The Suns play the third of a four-game homestand when they host the streaking Denver Nuggets on Monday at US Airways Center. It is the first of four meetings between the clubs this season. The Suns were 2-1 against the Nuggets last season, and have won four of the last five contests in the series.

Denver has lost five straight after winning its last two at Phoenix.

The Suns try to bounce back from a tough loss. On Saturday, Chris Paul scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets edge Phoenix, 118-113, at US Airways Center.

Nash finished with 23 points and 11 assists in the loss to the Hornets for Phoenix, which had a four-game winning streak halted. Leandro Barbosa led the Suns with 28 points off the bench, while Grant Hill and Stoudemire both scored 17 in defeat.

Stoudemire (personal) is probable against the Nuggets for Phoenix, while Raja Bell (flu-like symptoms) is questionable.

Phoenix is scheduled to host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at US Airways Center. The Suns are 10-4 at home this season.

The Suns will visit the Utah Jazz on Thursday at EnergySolutions Arena and will return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday at the Bradley Center.