Shaquille O’Neal (AP Photo/Morry Gash), well rested after sitting out the game in Chicago on Friday, had 29 points (12-of-16 shooting) and 11 rebounds to lead the Suns past the Bucks, 104-96 in Milwaukee. The Suns (5-2) completed the first Eastern road trip of the season with the win and a solid 3-1 record: 3 convincing wins and 1 “AWOL” game to be precise.  Grant Hill had a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) while Stoudemire added 24 points in the Suns win.

“I felt fresh” said the Big Cactus after the game ”Usually after two days off I feel fresh thanks to the upper management and their decision“. Shaq looks in great shape, better than last season.  

The Suns took an early lead (10-point) in the first quarter and held off a comeback attempt by the Bucks in the third period. Ramon Sessions’ 23 points off the bench led a Milwaukee team playing without its best player, Michael Redd out with a knee injury.

Coach Porter confirmed after the game he was very happy about the Suns performance not to mention the fact he won a game in his hometown: ”I just talked about coming out and setting a tone and responding and finishing this road trip on a good night”

Despite missing Matt Barnes, who should be available for next home game on Monday, Coach Porter used 10 players in the game. Phoenix survived allowing 11 offensive boards and committing turnovers, mostly because the Suns kept attacking the basket the whole night. Phoenix shot a season-high 54 free-throws attemps, making 44 of those.

With this convincing win, and the good road trip, the Suns will now come back home and host O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies on Monday night (7:00 PM). The Suns will play 9 home games in the next 13 in the month of November.

Yours truly, Steve Fan