Phoenix Suns Team Report - January 19

(Basketball News) - Joe Johnson hit the game-winning shot with 18.1 seconds left and finished with 25 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 96-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at America West Arena.

Shawn Marion posted 22 points, 16 boards and seven assists for the Suns, who matched a season-high with their third straight win. Leandro Barbosa scored 20 points in the win.

"We’re on a streak. Break us up," Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni joked. "We didn’t play great in the sense of shooting, but I think we did other things."

The Trail Blazers led by three after three quarters and maintained a slim cushion throughout most of the fourth period.

However, a pair of Jake Voskuhl free throws with just over three minutes remaining gave the Suns a 90-89 lead. Portland, though, countered with three straight points to seize a 92-90 advantage with 1:48 left, but the Blazers would not score again.

Marion’s basket with 1:21 left tied the score at 92-92 and Johnson’s putback with 18.1 seconds remaining gave the Suns a 94-92 advantage.

Rasheed Wallace had a chance to tie, but missed a turnaround jumper with 8.4 seconds left and Marion was immediately fouled two seconds later. He drained both free throws to make it 96-92.

Portland’s Zach Randolph then missed a shot from in close and Jahidi White grabbed the rebound to seal the win.

Amare Stoudemire had 16 points before leaving in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury.

Marion is averaging 24.3 points over the last four contests.

The Suns visit the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.