Phoenix Suns Team Report - December 16

(Basketball News) - Joe Johnson scored a season-high 30 points to lead Phoenix over Utah, 108-86, at America West Arena.

Amare Stoudemire added 19 points and Shawn Marion posted 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns, who won their sixth straight game. Phoenix is 19-3, which is not only the best record in the league this year, but also the best start in franchise history.

Phoenix trailed by seven after the opening quarter, but outscored the Jazz 41-23 in the second frame to take a 60-49 advantage into the intermission and they cruised to the victory.

The Suns took their first lead of the game by starting the decisive quarter on a 13-5 burst. Leandro Barbosa capped off the run on a three-pointer with 9:04 left in the second to go ahead, 32-31, and Phoenix stayed in front the rest of the way.

Early in the third, the Jazz did get within single digits at 62-53. However, Phoenix posted 10 of the following 15 points and Utah never got closer than 11 the remainder of the night.

Phoenix led 89-72 after 36 minutes and in the fourth emptied its bench.

The Suns return to action on Friday versus the scorching Seattle SuperSonics.