Tue Apr 1 10:59:26 2008

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Nuggets, Suns close out home-and-home set

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(Sports Network) - The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns wrap up a home-and-home set tonight at the Pepsi Center.

On Monday, Amare Stoudemire took over in the fourth quarter, as his 41-point, 14-rebound performance helped the Suns erase a 22-point deficit in a 132-117 victory over the Nuggets at US Airways Center.

Stoudemire drained 17-of-19 from the free-throw line and came up with huge baskets down the stretch, as Phoenix came away with its third largest comeback in franchise history.

Two-time MVP Steve Nash registered 36 points on 8-of-12 shooting from three- point land. He also dished out eight assists and committed no turnovers, as Phoenix is tied with Los Angeles Lakers for the lead in the Pacific Division.

Shaquille O'Neal ended with 20 points and 12 rebounds even though he battled foul trouble most of the second half. Raja Bell chipped in 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the win.

J.R. Smith came off the bench to pace the Nuggets with 23 points. Carmelo Anthony posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, as Denver is a full game behind Dallas for the seventh seed, and a half-game behind Golden State for the eighth seed out West.

Allen Iverson poured in 21 points and handed out seven assists, but turned the ball over six times. Kenyon Martin netted 19 points and Marcus Camby scored 16 in defeat.

Phoenix is 23-14 on the road this season. The Suns have won two in a row as the visitor. They will return home to host Minnesota on Friday and Dallas on Sunday at US Airways Center.

The Nuggets, who have won eight in a row on their homecourt, are 30-7 at home this season. They will host Sacramento on Saturday at the Pepsi Center.

The Suns have lost two in a row after winning their last two at Denver.