Phoenix Suns Team Report - November 18

(Basketball News) - Phoenix’s early season success continued on Wednesday night, as it posted a 95-84 victory over New Orleans at New Orleans Arena.

Amare Stoudemire scored 27 of his career high-tying 38 points in the second half to lead Phoenix to the win. In the last two games, Stoudemire is averaging 36 points and eight rebounds. For the year, Stoudemire is mustering 27.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest.

Shawn Marion chipped in 23 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix, which improved to 5-1 on the road and 6-2 overall this season. Steve Nash collected 16 points and 12 assists for the Suns.

Phoenix opened the third quarter with a 16-8 spurt, capped by Nash’s three- pointer, to extend its lead to 58-47. The margin later reached 12 at 63-51 on Joe Johnson’s three-pointer with 5:41 left in the period.

New Orleans was able to cut the deficit to five points twice early in the fourth quarter, the last time at 71-66 on Chris Andersen’s jumper with 10:58 remaining. The Hornets wouldn’t get any closer down the stretch.

The Suns are 5-1 on the road, their best start in road games since opening 6-1 in 1980-81. Phoenix went 11-30 away from home last season.

Phoenix has a day off before hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday at America West Arena.