STAT lead Suns past Warriors 123-115

(AP Photo/Paul Connors) Amaré Stoudemire's 36 points and 11 rebounds led the Suns to a 123-115 win over the Warriors. It was the first Suns victory in the season series against Baron & Co. A nice win against a playoff bound team.

Nash added 21 points and 13 assists to improve his league leading average of 11.5 assists per game while Bell scored 18 points (4-of-6 from 3-point range). Raja is one of the key in the Suns system as he can provide defense on the perimeter (and we all know how much we need it) and outside shooting.

It was the game it was supposed to be since it featured the two highest scoring teams in the NBA. The Suns had to come back from a 62-57 deficit due in large part to 12 turnovers in the first two periods.

"Obviously it was a great game. I thought it was intense and they played well" in the words of Coach D'Antoni.

Baron Davis led the Warriors with 38 points (taking 30 shots in the game) and Monta Ellis added 23.

Phoenix, back to its run and shoot mode, won the third straight game to improve to 43-22. The Suns shot 55 percent in the game including a very good 12-of-24 from 3-point range. “They haven't forgotten how (to play small). I wasn't sure what to expect” said a confused Nellie about the multi-dimensional Suns.

3-point shooting was the key in the decisive third quarter run (5-for-7) that put the Suns ahead for good.

Shaq played only 9 minutes (9 points, 4 rebounds) in part because of foul trouble, but the Diesel-powered Suns improved to .500 or 6-6 since Shaq became the Big Cactus.

"It's what it was" concluded basketball philosopher Monta Ellis.

The Suns will now complete the 5-game home stand against the Kings on Saturday Night (7 PM).

Yours truly, Steve Fan

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Tags: Golden State Warriors, Shaq