NBA Game Summary - Phoenix at Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI (Basketball News) - Shawn Marion compiled 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Steve Nash scored 21 points and dished out 17 assists, as Phoenix earned a 121-115 victory over Milwaukee at the Bradley Center.

Amare Stoudamire contributed 23 points and Joe Johnson added 17 as the Suns delivered another high-powered offensive performance to win their third straight following their recent six-game slide.

"A lot of guys played well tonight," Nash said. "That’s the way we’re most successful. If we keep the game under 100 (points), we’re not going to be nearly as dangerous. It’s important for us to play like that."

Michael Redd poured in 27 points and Desmond Mason finished with 17 for the Bucks, who had a two-game win streak halted. Maurice Williams and Mike James had 17 and 15 points, respectively, in the setback.

The teams were deadlocked at 70-70 in the third quarter when Phoenix strung together an 8-2 run to assume command. Johnson began the stretch with a three- pointer, while a steal and layup by Nash with 5:11 left in the period ended the flurry and put the Suns on top 80-72.

Milwaukee got to within four before Phoenix closed out the third quarter with a 9-2 run, which started and ended with baskets by Jim Jackson, to take a 93-82 advantage into the final session.

"He’s been terrific for us," said Nash of the recently-acquired Jackson. "It’s great to have another veteran."

The Suns staved off a Bucks charge midway through the fourth quarter and led 109-97 with two minutes left before Milwaukee put together one last run. A three-point play by Mason ignited a 9-3 spurt which cut the deficit to six with less than a minute to play.

James, who netted 10 points in the final period, sank a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to bring the Bucks within 116-113, and the Suns’ lead dwindled to two when Nash hit just one of two free throws and Mason hit a pair from the stripe with 13 seconds left. Nash then went back to the line and sealed the win by hitting both attempts.

"I think that we were a little tired down the stretch," said Nash. "But not tired enough. We made the plays when it counted."

The Bucks were ahead 31-30 after James buried a three-pointer as time expired in the first quarter, but Phoenix began to take over in the early stages of the second. The Suns outscored Milwaukee 14-4 to start the period and built a 44-35 lead following Nash’s jumper with 8:44 to go in the half.

Marion, who netted 17 first-half points, scored inside with 4:47 remaining before intermission to put Phoenix up 57-47, but the Bucks closed out the second quarter with a 10-4 spurt. Zaza Pachulia sank a pair of foul shots in the final minute to bring Milwaukee within 61-57 at the break.