Suns Outlast Nets in Top Scoring Game of the Season
So we all knew the Suns were capable of scoring A LOT of points, but no one could've predicted Thursday night's scoring explosion by Phoenix and the New Jersey Nets. Words can't describe the game itself... you had to see it.
After two overtimes and a record tying triple-double by Jason Kidd, Steve Nash leads the Phoenix Suns to a 161-157 win. For the Suns it's their 8th consecutive win, which puts them only 1/2 game behind the Lakers for the Pacific Division lead.
Jason Kidd/Steve Nash - (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The game featured Jason Kidd's 78th career triple-double, which tied Wilt Chamberlain for 3rd place all-time. In typical Kidd fashion, he finished with 38 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. Unfortunately it wasn't enough, as Boris Diaw's runner in the lane with 14 seconds left virtually sealed the Phoenix win.
Nash scored 9 points in the 2nd overtime, matching every Nets possession. After a thrilling 48 minutes, plus the 1st overtime, it just seems like the Suns had a little more gas left in the tank than the Nets did. Amare Stoudemire and Raja Bell fouled out for the Suns, while Nenad Krstic and Vince Carter fouled out for New Jersey.
There are so many stats to highlight, so I'll just start from the top:
Phoenix Suns (box score)
- Steve Nash - 42 pts, 13 assists and 6 rebounds. (inc. 6-7 3's)
- Shawn Marion - 33 pts and 9 rebounds
- Raja Bell - 24 pts (inc. 6-7 3's)
- Amare Stoudemire - 23 pts and 11 rebounds (6th straight double-double)
- Boris Diaw & Leandro Barbosa - 16 pts each
- Team FG: 52%, 3-PT 55% (17-31)
New Jersey Nets (box score)
- Jason Kidd - 38 pts, 15 rebounds and 13 assists
- Vince Carter - 31 pts, 4 rebounds and 9 assists
- Richard Jefferson - 25 pts and 8 rebounds
- 4 other Nets scored in double figures
- Team FG: 56%, 3-PT 48% (10-21)
As you can see, the game was pretty even. The Suns scored seven more points on 3-point FG, while New Jersey scored five more points on free throws and outrebounded Phoenix 51-39. Combined, the teams shot 224 shots, including 52 3-pointers.
This game has to be an instant ESPN Classic... one for the ages.
Amare Stoudemire - (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)