Suns host Spurs at US Airways Center 03.9.2006
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The Suns own an eight-game lead over the second place Los Angeles Clippers in the Pacific Division, while San Antonio is tied with the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference and the top spot in the Southwest Division.
Phoenix has won 11 straight games and will try to earn the second-longest winning streak in franchise history. The Suns won 14 in a row from December 1, 1992 to December 30, 1992.
On Monday, Boris Diaw finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead the Suns to their 11th straight win, 101-88, against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Ford Center.
Shawn Marion contributed 19 points and 16 boards and Raja Bell had 17 points for Phoenix, which rallied from a 14-point deficit to score the 13-point win. However, the Suns finished the game without reigning MVP Steve Nash, who left the contest late in the third quarter after turning his right ankle.
Nash, who is averaging 19.4 points and 10.8 assists per game, is questionable for tonight’s contest. The All-Star guard has not missed a game during the campaign.
The Suns are an impressive 24-8 as the host this season. They have won seven in a row at home.
Phoenix is scheduled to host Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
San Antonio will try and get back on the winning track as it plays the finale of a three-game road trip. On Tuesday, Elton Brand posted 30 points and nine rebounds as the Clippers knocked off San Antonio, 98-85, at the Staples Center.
Tony Parker scored 20 points in the loss to the Clippers for the Spurs, who had a seven-game winning streak halted. Tim Duncan posted 16 points, while Manu Ginobili netted 15 in defeat.
The Spurs, who defeated the Lakers on Monday in the opener of the swing, are 21-10 as the visitor this season.
This is the third meeting of the season between the squads. In the two previous contests, both clubs picked up a win at home.
San Antonio has dropped two straight and five of its last eight games at Phoenix.
The Spurs are scheduled to host the Suns on March 17th at the AT&T Center in the final contest of the regular season between the teams.