NBA Game Summary - Phoenix at Dallas 05.21.2005
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Dallas, TX (Basketball News) - Steve Nash scored seven of his 39 points in overtime after hitting a game-tying three-pointer in regulation, and the Phoenix Suns earned their first trip to the Western Conference finals in 12 years with a thrilling 130-126 victory over Dallas on Friday.
Phoenix won two straight games to take this series 4-2 and set up a meeting with the San Antonio Spurs beginning Sunday. It will be the Suns’ first appearance in the conference finals since their NBA Finals season in 1993.
Nash continues to back up his MVP status with memorable games. In addition to his 39 points, he grabbed nine rebounds and handed out 12 assists — continually setting up his teammates for clutch field goals at key moments in the game.
His leaning three-pointer with 5.7 seconds left in regulation tied the game and quieted an American Airlines Center crowd that used to cheer for him when he played for the Mavericks.
Nash was also a focal point in a 27-6 run bridging the third and fourth quarters that helped Phoenix overcome a 16-point deficit.
Shawn Marion added 38 points and 16 rebounds for the Suns, also scoring seven point in overtime. Amare Stoudemire scored 18 in the win and Jim Jackson had 16.
Jason Terry scored a career playoff-high 36 points to lead the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki added 28 points and 13 rebounds, and Josh Howard scored 21 with 14 boards in the loss.