Phoenix Suns Team Report - December 24

(Basketball News) - Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 11 rebounds to lead the red-hot Phoenix Suns to a 109-102 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday at America West Arena.

Shawn Marion added 29 points and seven boards for the Suns, who are off to the best start in the league since the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls began the season 41-3. Steve Nash added 17 points and 14 assists, as Phoenix (23-3) became the first team in NBA history to win 10 in a row after losing 50 or more games the previous season. Overall, Phoenix has won 19 of its last 20 games.

Quentin Richardson also had 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Phoenix, which has won six straight at home for the first time since capturing nine in a row to end the 2000-01 campaign.

Stoudemire is averaging 31 points and 10 rebounds in his last two games. He has scored in double-digits in 25 of 26 games. The 22-year-old forward has registered nine double-doubles this season.

The Suns are off until Sunday when they host the Toronto Raptors. It will be the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Raptors are scheduled to host the Suns on January 30, 2005 at Air Canada Centre.