The third largest comback in Phoenix Suns history came at a perfect time. Right in the middle of a very heated playoff position race in the NBA's hotly contested Western Conference.
The win left Phoenix in a flat footed tie with the Lakers at 50-24 in the Pacific Division and also in another virtual tie for best record in the conference with the Lakers, Spurs (51-23) and New Orleans (50-22). Utah and Houston are right behind them at 49-24 each.
Amarie Stoudemire had 41 points with 14 rebounds but was slightly in outdown in heroics by teamate Steve Nash who scored 36 points including a career high eight three pointers along with 8 assists to bring the Suns back from 22 points down.
Shaquille O'Neal contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns who won 50 games for the 4th consecutive season. The Suns outscored the Nuggets 46-25 in the 4th quarter. Denver led 70-51 at the half and totally melted down in the 2nd half.
The loss left Denver on the outside looking in (temporairily at least) in the 9th spot vieing for the 8 available Western Conference playoff spots a half game behind the Golden St Warriors.
Suns F Grant Hill missed his second successive game and 10th of the season with a strained right groin. Suns HC Mike D'Antoni said Hill could go on Friday at home against the woeful Minnesota T-Wolves.
Stoudemire extended his franchise record of scoring at least 15 points in a game to 62 during the win.
Despite the loss Denver still has an excellent shot at the 8th spot in the west. They have a pretty easy schedule after a rematch against Phoenix on Tuesday night in Denver.
The Nuggets then face three nonplayoff teams, Sacramento, Seattle and the LA Clippers in a row, before a critical showdown game on April 10th at Golden St.
The Nuggets finish up with games at Utah and at home vs Houston and Memphis.
Man this Western Conference is some kind of competitive, but only one team can emerge from the pack to face the Eastern Conference representative in the NBA finals.
Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a Phoenix Vs. Boston NBA Final. Big name stars like Stoudemire, Nash, O'Neal, Grant, facing off against hungry for a ring stars like the Celtic's Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell would make for an IMHO great final (despite what Lakers, Spurs, Pistons etc fans will say)...
wil.
The win left Phoenix in a flat footed tie with the Lakers at 50-24 in the Pacific Division and also in another virtual tie for best record in the conference with the Lakers, Spurs (51-23) and New Orleans (50-22). Utah and Houston are right behind them at 49-24 each.
Amarie Stoudemire had 41 points with 14 rebounds but was slightly in outdown in heroics by teamate Steve Nash who scored 36 points including a career high eight three pointers along with 8 assists to bring the Suns back from 22 points down.
Shaquille O'Neal contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns who won 50 games for the 4th consecutive season. The Suns outscored the Nuggets 46-25 in the 4th quarter. Denver led 70-51 at the half and totally melted down in the 2nd half.
The loss left Denver on the outside looking in (temporairily at least) in the 9th spot vieing for the 8 available Western Conference playoff spots a half game behind the Golden St Warriors.
Suns F Grant Hill missed his second successive game and 10th of the season with a strained right groin. Suns HC Mike D'Antoni said Hill could go on Friday at home against the woeful Minnesota T-Wolves.
Stoudemire extended his franchise record of scoring at least 15 points in a game to 62 during the win.
Despite the loss Denver still has an excellent shot at the 8th spot in the west. They have a pretty easy schedule after a rematch against Phoenix on Tuesday night in Denver.
The Nuggets then face three nonplayoff teams, Sacramento, Seattle and the LA Clippers in a row, before a critical showdown game on April 10th at Golden St.
The Nuggets finish up with games at Utah and at home vs Houston and Memphis.
Man this Western Conference is some kind of competitive, but only one team can emerge from the pack to face the Eastern Conference representative in the NBA finals.
Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a Phoenix Vs. Boston NBA Final. Big name stars like Stoudemire, Nash, O'Neal, Grant, facing off against hungry for a ring stars like the Celtic's Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell would make for an IMHO great final (despite what Lakers, Spurs, Pistons etc fans will say)...
wil.
