In the News

Hedo Turkoglu is key cog in Phoenix Suns' rebuilding project
The Phoenix Suns had been eyeing Hedo Turkoglu for years. He was big, athletic, could score, liked to pass and was good at it -- a perfect fit for the style of basketball they played in the desert.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets win fight to make Dell Demps GM
The New Orleans Hornets have fought off the Phoenix Suns to land San Antonio's Dell Demps as their next general manager.

Phoenix Suns hire agent Lon Babby as president of basketball operations
Prominent sports agent Lon Babby is taking a pay cut, probably a significant one, to become president of basketball operations for the Phoenix Suns, a job he called "the opportunity of a lifetime."

Suns hire agent Babby to replace Kerr
The Phoenix Suns have hired agent Lon Babby to head the team's basketball operations, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

Lon Babby expected to move into Phoenix Suns front office
The Phoenix Suns have scheduled a "major announcement" on Tuesday amid widespread speculation that agent Lon Babby will be named the team's president for basketball operations.

Babby expected to join Suns front office (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have scheduled a "major announcement" on Tuesday amid widespread speculation that agent Lon Babby will be named the team's president for basketball operations. Babby represents the Suns' newly acquired Hedo Turkoglu and is the former agent of Phoenix's other recent addition, Josh Childress.

Toronto Raptors to play Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns in Vancouver exhibition
The Toronto Raptors will face Steve Nash and Phoenix in an exhibition game at Rogers Arena, and also plan to hold part of their training camp in Vancouver.

Raptors-Suns in Vancouver exhibition (AP)
The Toronto Raptors will face Steve Nash and Phoenix in an exhibition game at Rogers Arena, and also plan to hold part of their training camp in Vancouver. The game against the Suns will be Oct. 6, the Raptors announced Monday. Nash, the two-time NBA MVP, grew up in nearby Victoria and played here last preseason, when Phoenix and Portland sold out an exhibition game.

Turkoglu undergoes gall bladder surgery
Phoenix Suns forward Hedo Turkoglu had gall bladder surgery last week in Turkey, where he was practicing for the World Championships in August.

Hedo Turkoglu of Phoenix Suns has gall bladder surgery in Turkey
Suns forward Hedo Turkoglu underwent minor gall bladder surgery in his native Turkey last week, the Arizona Republic reported on its website.

Team USA adds Rondo, Chandler, Lopez
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, Dallas center Tyson Chandler and Phoenix center Robin Lopez were added to the new-look national team roster on Thursday and will take part in training camp next week in Las Vegas.

Rondo, 2 others added to US roster (AP)
Rajon Rondo could play for the United States after all. The Boston Celtics point guard was among three players added to the new-look national team roster on Thursday and will take part in training camp next week in Las Vegas. Newly acquired Dallas center Tyson Chandler and Phoenix center Robin Lopez also were selected and will be among the 21 players who will compete for a chance to play for the...

Suns get Childress, Turkoglu in 2 deals (AP)
Tense negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks sent Josh Childress to Greece two years ago and kept him there last season. The lanky swingman was all set to play a third season for Olympiakos when he received a call from his agent: We have a deal with the Phoenix Suns. Back to the NBA, on the West Coast no less?

Suns acquire swingman Childress
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Phoenix Suns complete deal to get Toronto Raptors' Hedo Turkoglu
The Phoenix Suns have acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sends guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to Toronto.

Suns complete deal for Raptors' Turkoglu (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have acquired Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sends Brazilian guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to Toronto. The deal gives the Suns a third forward in their attempt to replace free agent Amare Stoudemire. Phoenix signed swingman Josh Childress in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta earlier Wednesday and picked up Hakim Warrick in similar swap with Chicago.

Josh Childress traded to Phoenix Suns from Atlanta Hawks in sign-and-trade
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Suns acquire Childress from Hawks (AP)
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta will get the Suns' 2012 second-round draft pick as part of the deal. Childress has played the past two seasons in Greece. The 27-year-old previously spent four years with the Hawks.

Suns complete deal to get Turkoglu
The Phoenix Suns have acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sends guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to Toronto.

Sources: Charlotte Bobcats pull out of Phoenix Suns-Toronto Raptors trade
The proposed three-way trade between the Raptors, Suns and Bobcats is a two-team trade again, as the Bobcats have pulled out of the deal, according to NBA front-office sources.

Chandler says he's headed to Raptors
Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler said Monday night he's been told he's being traded to the Raptors amid a report Toronto is also poised to send Hedo Turkoglu to the Phoenix Suns.

Bobcats' Chandler: I'm headed to Raptors (AP)
Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler says he's been told he's being traded to the Raptors amid a report Toronto is also poised to send Hedo Turkoglu to Phoenix. Chandler wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Monday night that his agent, Jeff Schwartz, informed him that he's being traded.

Source: Phoenix Suns to offer deal to former Atlanta Hawk Josh Childress
The Phoenix Suns will make an offer to restricted free agent Josh Childress, a league source said, providing the former Hawks swingman an avenue back to the NBA after spending the last two seasons in Greece.

Sources: Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver considering agent Lon Babby as head of front office
Highly respected player agent Lon Babby has emerged as an unexpected candidate to head the Phoenix Suns' restructured front-office, according to sources with knowledge of the Suns' plans.

Chicago Bulls get Phoenix Suns' second-round pick in sign-and-trade
The Suns have completed sign-and-trade deals that will send Amare Stoudemire to the New York Knicks and bring Hakim Warrick to Phoenix.

Suns cap deals involving Amare, Warrick (AP)
The Suns have completed sign-and-trade deals that will send Amare Stoudemire to the New York Knicks and bring Hakim Warrick to Phoenix. Stoudemire agreed to a free-agent contract of five years and about $100 million with the Knicks last week. He was signed by Phoenix, then sent to New York, giving the Suns a trade exception that was used to sign Warrick in another sign-and-trade deal with Chicago.

Frye agrees to 5-year deal with Suns
The Phoenix Suns have locked up one of their top offseason priorities, signing center Channing Frye to a five-year deal.

2010 NBA free agents: Phoenix Suns sign center Channing Frye, forward Hakim Warrick
The Phoenix Suns have locked up one of their top offseason priorities, signing center Channing Frye to a five-year deal.

Suns done with Amare, sign Frye, Warrick (AP)
A person with knowledge of the situation says Amare Stoudemire's days with the Phoenix Suns are over after the team reached contract agreements with forward Hakim Warrick and center Channing Frye. The person told The Associated Press that Warrick agreed to a four-year, $18 million deal on Friday, shortly after Frye agreed to a five-year, $30 million offer to re-sign with Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns add Hakim Warrick with 4-year, $18 million deal, sources say
Hakim Warrick, who averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season with two teams, has agreed to a four-year, $18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns.

2010 NBA free agents: Source says Phoenix Suns, Channing Frye agree on 5-year, $30 million contract
The Phoenix Suns are serious have retained sweet-shooting big man Channing Frye.

Source: Amare Stoudemire long shot to return to Phoenix Suns
Amare Stoudemire now appears to be a long shot to return to Phoenix after opting out of the last year of his contract and negotiations on a new deal with Suns owner Robert Sarver broke off late Tuesday night.

Villanova's Scottie Reynolds to join Phoenix Suns' summer league
Undrafted first-team All-American Scottie Reynolds will play for the Phoenix Suns' entry in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Free agency set to open on Thursday (AP)
The date has been circled on calendars around the NBA for years. July 1, 2010: The day LeBron James becomes a free agent. The day the league might begin to change forever. "I think the landscape could really shift," former Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr said. Shopping season starts at 12:01 a.m.

Phoenix Suns All-Star Amare Stoudemire to test free agency
Amare Stoudemire has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Phoenix Suns to become part of an illustrious list of free agents this season.

Stoudemire opts out of Suns contract (AP)
Amare Stoudemire has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Phoenix Suns to become part of an illustrious list of free agents this season. Agent Happy Walters says the five-time All-Star power forward made the move Wednesday after talks with Suns owner Robert Sarver failed to result in an agreement on a contract extension.

Reynolds to play for Suns summer league - Scottie Reynolds (G) Phoenix Suns
Undrafted Villanova PG Scottie Reynolds will play for the Suns' summer league team.

Former Phoenix Suns GM Steve Kerr returning to TNT
Former Phoenix Suns general manager Steve Kerr agreed to rejoin TNT as a game analyst Monday and will begin work starting with the 2010-11 season.

Former Suns GM Kerr returning to TNT (AP)
Steve Kerr is headed back to the TV table, and he plans to stay there for a while. The former Phoenix Suns general manager agreed to rejoin TNT as a game analyst Monday and will begin work starting with the 2010-11 season. Kerr spent four seasons calling games for TNT before taking the Phoenix job in 2007.

Former Suns GM Steve Kerr returning to TNT
Former Phoenix Suns general manager Steve Kerr agreed to rejoin TNT as a game analyst and will begin work starting with the 2010-11 season.

Lindsey's name prominent as Suns begin GM search
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver said he has begun the interview process for a new general manager.

Phoenix Suns begin interview process to land next GM
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver says he has begun the interview process for a new general manager.

Suns begin interview process for new GM (AP)
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver says he has begun the interview process for a new general manager. Sarver would not comment on reports that he interviewed San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey on Monday, saying he did not want to get into those kinds of specifics. The Spurs have confirmed that the Suns received permission to speak with the highly regarded Lindsey, who was a...

Phoenix Suns exercise Alvin Gentry's option, sign 3 assistants
The Phoenix Suns have exercised the option year of coach Alvin Gentry for the 2011-12 season.

Dwayne Collins is Mr. Irrelevant - Dwayne Collins (F) Phoenix Suns
Suns selected Miami PF Dwayne Collins with the No. 60 pick in the NBA draft.

Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash returns home to uncertainty
Steve Nash has returned from the World Cup to a Suns team seeking a new general manager.

Sources: Phoenix Suns granted permission to talk to San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey
The Phoenix Suns have been granted permission to talk to San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey about being their next GM on the condition they wait until after Thursday's draft, league sources said Tuesday.

Kerr says he won't return as Suns GM (AP)
Steve Kerr won't return as general manager of the Phoenix Suns, despite building a team that made a surprising run to the NBA's Western Conference finals. Kerr told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the decision was solely his and not the result of any disagreements with owner Robert Sarver.

Kerr won't return as Suns GM
Steve Kerr will not return after three years as the Phoenix Suns' president of basketball operations and general manager, according to a report by The Arizona Republic on Tuesday.

Report: Steve Kerr out as Phoenix Suns' general manager
Steve Kerr is out as the Phoenix Suns' president of basketball operations and general manager, according to a report in The Arizona Republic.

Amare says he'll opt out of contract (AP)
Amare Stoudemire will opt out of the final year of his contract if he doesn't re-sign with the Phoenix Suns before the deadline at the end of this month. Stoudemire, speaking at his basketball camp Tuesday, said he deserves a maximum contract and would like it to be with Phoenix, where he has played since he was drafted out of high school in 2002.

Stoudemire to seek max deal as free agent
Amare Stoudemire says he will opt out of the final year of his contract if he doesn't re-sign with the Phoenix Suns before then.

Amare Stoudemire opting out if Phoenix Suns don't re-sign him
Amare Stoudemire says he will opt out of the final year of his contract if he doesn't re-sign with the Phoenix Suns before then.

Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill exercises option to return next season
The Phoenix Suns say veteran forward Grant Hill has exercised the one-year player option on his contract and will return to the team next season.

Grant Hill will return to Suns
The Phoenix Suns say veteran forward Grant Hill has exercised the one-year player option on his contract and will return to the team next season.

Hill exercises option to stay with Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns say veteran forward Grant Hill has exercised the one-year player option on his contract and will return to the team next season. The 16-year veteran and seven-time All-Star averaged 11.3 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. That was his highest rebounding average since 2002-03 and his most total rebounds (445) in a season since 1999-00.

Suns PG Nash to report on World Cup (AP)
Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash will travel to South Africa to report on the World Cup for CBSSports.com. Nash's team was eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in the Western Conference finals. He'll file eight videos and have additional reports and photos posted to CBSSports.com's social media platforms under a deal with Meathawk, his production company.

2010 NBA free agents: Amare Stoudemire expects to join in summit
The Phoenix Suns spoke of the joys of the season and the hopes that it was only the beginning. Whether that future would include Amare Stoudemire is the big uncertainty.

Amare Stoudemire's status clouds sunny Phoenix Suns season
The Phoenix Suns spoke of the joys of the season and the hopes that it was only the beginning. Whether that future would include Amare Stoudemire is the big uncertainty.

Stoudemire's status looms over Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns were a reassuring testament that team chemistry means something, even in the me-first world of the NBA. That they came within two victories of the NBA finals surprised just about everyone. If not for an unstoppable two-minute stretch by Kobe Bryant, the Suns might well have forced a deciding Game 7 in the Western Conference finals.

Bryant, Lakers send off Suns to set up rematch
Kobe Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals 4-2.

Another Suns rally attempt falls short (AP)
Another furious rally fell short and now the Phoenix Suns are done. Just as they did in Game 5, the Steve Nash and Suns trailed the Los Angeles Lakers by as many as 18 points on Saturday before mounting a fourth-quarter comeback. Just as they did in Game 5, Kobe Bryant and Co. fended off the Suns -- though without the last second heroics this time -- and eliminated Phoenix with a 111-103 victory in...

Lakers oust Suns, get rematch with Celts (AP)
Get ready, Boston, for a rematch with Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals. The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA's premier teams for much of the league's history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1...

Lakers-Suns Game 6
A win in Phoenix puts the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Sick loss: Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry throws up on side
Suns coach Alvin Gentry was caught on camera throwing up on the sidelines on Thursday.

Sick loss: Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry throws up on side
Suns coach Alvin Gentry was caught on camera throwing up on the sidelines on Thursday.

Artest late to practice after big shot
Ron Artest had perfect timing in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals - and not so much the next day. Artest was fined by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday for showing up late to practice, several hours after his buzzer-beating layup clinched their 103-101 victory. Lakers coach Phil Jackson says it was an innocent mixup by the forward, who showed up 30 minutes late after misreading the practice starting time on the locker room board following Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Artest scored just four points in Game 5, but won it for the Lakers on his rebound of Kobe Bryant's missed 3-point attempt. Los Angeles has a 3-2 lead in the series. Game 6 is Saturday night in Phoenix.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Lakers coach Phil Jackson says Game 6 in Phoenix not a date filler
Nash's comments saying he'll be back at Staples Center for Game 7 didn't affect the Lakers coach.

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers win (AP)
Ron Artest became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff lore with a bank shot to beat the Phoenix Suns. Artest rambled into the lane and beat the buzzer with a wild shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Lakers edged the Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Suns rally but lose by not boxing out (AP)
Steve Nash kept Phoenix hanging around in the fourth quarter until Jason Richardson tied it up in the waning seconds only to see the Suns get eclipsed by a buzzer-beating offensive rebound. Phoenix tangled up Kobe Bryant on a last-ditch 3-point attempt, but Ron Artest sneaked in, grabbed the rebound and scored to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 103-101 victory Thursday night.

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers 3-2 lead
Ron Artest beat the buzzer with a wild bank shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Clippers fans show desire for James (AP)
A band of Los Angeles Clippers fans has taken to the streets outside Staples Center to show love for LeBron James. At least 75 Clippers fans in red-and-blue gear waved signs and chanted slogans as they marched up and down Chick Hearn Court on Thursday night in the hours before Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers Andrew Bynum's knee, Kobe Bryant's minutes on target
Kobe Bryant's played 43 minutes during Game 4's loss and has averaged 41.5 minutes per game during the series against Phoenix. Jackson was asked if the guard could play even more.

Suns contain Kobe long enough in 4th (AP)
Kobe Bryant's slow start didn't hurt the Los Angeles Lakers. A quiet fourth quarter definitely did. Bryant had 38 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds Tuesday night, but the Phoenix Suns contained him long enough in the final period to pull away for a 115-106 victory that evened the Western Conference finals at two games apiece.

Bench keys Suns pulling even with Lakers (AP)
The Phoenix bench finally delivered as advertised, and it could hardly have come at a better time. Channing Frye broke out of a horrendous shooting slump by making four 3-pointers for 14 points, and the Suns pulled away in the fourth quarter for the second game in a row to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-106 on Tuesday night and tie the Western Conference finals at two games apiece.

Lakers take on Suns in Game 4
Can the Suns eclipse the Lakers again in Phoenix?

2010 NBA Playoffs: Ailing Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum will play in Game 4 against Phoenix Suns
Lakers coach Phil Jackson says Andrew Bynum will play despite knee pain.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns to practice Monday after surgery for broken nose
Suns guard Steve Nash will undergo surgery to repair a broken nose and displaced cartilage he suffered in Sunday night's conference finals win over the Lakers in Phoenix.

Nash breaks nose, should play in Game 4 (AP)
Steve Nash has a small nasal fracture but says he doesn't expect it to be a problem for him in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. The Phoenix playmaker was hurt in a fourth-quarter collision with Derek Fisher in the Suns' 118-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. He spoke briefly with reporters after practice on Monday before leaving to have the nose put back in...

Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash injures nose in Game 3 win
Suns guard Steve Nash might have broken his nose after a fourth-quarter collision.



Stoudemire's 42 carry Suns in Game 3 (AP)
Amare Stoudemire answered his critics with an exclamation point, and there will be no sweep in the Western Conference finals. Stoudemire matched his career playoff high with 42 points, 29 in the second half, and grabbed 11 rebounds to power the Phoenix Suns to a 118-109 victory Sunday night that cut the Los Angeles Lakers' lead in the series to 2-1.

Stoudemire takes over as Suns cut Lakers' lead
Amare Stoudemire matched his career playoff high with 42 points, 29 in the second half, and grabbed 11 rebounds to power the Phoenix Suns to a 118-109 victory Sunday night that cut the Los Angeles Lakers' lead in the series to 2-1.

Lakers' supporting cast comes up short (AP)
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher did what they could to give the Lakers a chance to win Game 3. They just didn't get much help from the supporting cast, whose contributions were vital in wins in Games 1 and 2, Los Angeles couldn't hold off the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, losing 118-109. Bryant had 36 points, Gasol 23, and Fisher scored 18, but no other player had more than 12.

Phoenix Suns' Dan Majerle would be interested if Chicago Bulls call
Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle would be interested if the Bulls call about their head coaching position.

NBA West finals Game 3: Lakers at Suns
Down 0-2 to the Lakers, Steve Nash and the Suns hope to recover today in Phoenix.

Lakers steamrolling defenseless Suns (AP)
A week ago, the Phoenix Suns were talking about how they no longer were marshmallows on defense, and this team had a toughness its predecessors had sorely lacked. The conversation is a little different now. The Suns' resurgence took a hit in Los Angeles, where the Lakers scored a total of 252 points to go up 2-0 in the Western Conference finals, shooting 58 percent in each game.

Wait for free agency is on in NBA (AP)
Doc Rivers knows his Boston Celtics aren't the NBA's biggest story right now. Take a back seat, Celtics, despite being on the cusp of another trip to the NBA finals. Same for you, defending champ Lakers. The Magic and Suns, well, they're basketball afterthoughts right now as well. Unless you're in Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando or Phoenix, the NBA's final four might almost be like a...

Late surge gives Lakers 2-0 lead on Suns (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers are halfway to another NBA finals, and their fans already know who they want their dominant defending champions to play next. Pau Gasol scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant had 21 points and 13 assists, and the Lakers roared away in the final minutes for a 124-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night to claim a 2-0 lead in the Western...

Gasol provides late spark as Lakers drop Suns
Pau Gasol scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant had 21 points and 13 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers roared away in the final minutes for a 124-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Suns fall into 0-2 hole despite Hill (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers held Steve Nash in check for the second straight game, and even a breakout offensive effort by Grant Hill couldn't save the Phoenix Suns. They lost 124-112 on Wednesday night and trail 2-0 in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals. It's the first time Phoenix has lost consecutive games since Jan.

Stoudemire's mother arrested
Phoenix Suns forward Amar'e Stoudemire's mother was arrested for failing to have an ignition interlock device on her vehicle, a newspaper reported.

Suns struggle on 3s in Game 1 loss (AP)
When the Phoenix Suns can't hit a 3-pointer, they realize their chances of winning the Western Conference finals are a long shot. The Suns went 5 for 22 on 3-pointers in their series-opening 128-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, getting practically nothing from the most impressive area of their offense.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles mayor: We'll take Arizona sheriff if Los Angeles Lakers beat Phoenix Suns
The Los Angeles Lakers-Phoenix Suns series just got another dose of politics.

Despite knee, Kobe erupts as Lakers work Suns
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Lamar Odom added 19 points and 19 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened the Western Conference finals with ruthless offensive efficiency in a 128-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

Bryant's 40 carry Lakers to Game 1 win (AP)
Even on a balky knee, Kobe Bryant had no problem giving the Los Angeles Lakers an early leg up in the Western Conference finals. Bryant scored 40 points, Lamar Odom added 19 points and 19 rebounds, and the Lakers opened the series with ruthless offensive efficiency in a 128-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

Wife of Spurs G Ginobili has twins (AP)
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and his wife, Many, are parents to twin boys. Ginobili, on his Twitter page, announced Sunday's births of Dante and Nicola. Ginobili says mother and boys are doing great, and he later added "I just changed my 1st diaper!" The Spurs were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns.

NBA Playoffs 2010: Phoenix Suns' Robin Lopez set to play in Game 1
Suns' Robin Lopez set to play, may start in Game 1.

Jackson won't criticize immigration law (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson refused to criticize Arizona's new immigration law, triggering a backlash among activists who plan a protest outside Staples Center on Monday night. Jackson was asked two weeks ago about the Phoenix Suns wearing their Los Suns jerseys in protest during a playoff game.

NBA Playoffs 2010: Demonstration planned before Los Angeles Lakers-Phoenix Suns Game 1
Phil Jackson's comments on immigration law draw ire from activists.

Report: Kobe has knee drained
Kobe Byrant had “a significant amount of fluid” drained from his knee in preparation for Monday’s series opener against the Phoenix Suns, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Suns credit Gentry for playoff success (AP)
Alvin Gentry jokes that when he's ticked off at Steve Nash, he yells at Lou Amundson. In truth, the Phoenix coach has held every player accountable while at the same time, as Grant Hill puts it, "he's empowered us." Gentry deflects the credit for the Suns highly unexpected run to the Western Conference finals.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash laughs off Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson's traveling accusation
The Phoenix Suns have reacted with a collective smirk to Phil Jackson's suggestion that Steve Nash travels with the basketball.

Suns embracing role as underdogs (AP)
Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry has two words for the multitudes who aren't giving his Suns any chance in the Western Conference finals against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers: "Pittsburgh Penguins." Last year's Stanley Cup winner and the favorite this season was bounced in the second round of the NHL playoffs Wednesday by the No.

Suns smirk at Jackson's comments on Nash (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have reacted with a collective smirk to Phil Jackson's suggestion that Steve Nash travels with the basketball. Nash even had a subtle retort worthy of Jackson himself. "It's news to me. I'm fortunate. I don't know if I've been called for a carry yet," he said after the Suns practiced Saturday, then he added straight-faced: "I've never heard...

Suns smirk at 'traveling' accusation
The Phoenix Suns have reacted with a collective smirk to Phil Jackson's suggestion that Steve Nash travels with the basketball.

Jackson says Suns' Nash carries ball (AP)
Lakers coach Phil Jackson thinks the Phoenix Suns' star point guard sometimes plays a bit too much like a running back. With a mischievous grin, Jackson said Friday that it's tough for Los Angeles to prepare to face Steve Nash during defensive practice because of the two-time MVP's style with the basketball.

Andrew Bynum hopes knee holds up against fast Phoenix Suns
Andrew Bynum hopes his knee holds up against a fast Suns lineup.

Suns GM Kerr goes from idiot to genius (AP)
Not long ago, Steve Kerr would spend sleepless nights recalling how great that NBA analyst job was at TNT. Phoenix Suns fans vilified him as a general manager without a clue, a man who had ruined the franchise. Kerr says there were many nights where he thought, "Man, I should have just sat there with a microphone in my hand." Not that Kerr blamed the fans.

Bryant not interested in revenge on Suns (AP)
Kobe Bryant now claims he has no interest in getting revenge on the Suns for the Lakers' back-to-back playoff series losses to Phoenix a few years ago. And if he really thinks about it, Bryant might want to thank the Suns. Those losses catalyzed the roster changes that have put the Lakers back into the Western Conference finals in every year since.

Long rest could make Robin Lopez available for Phoenix Suns
Alvin Gentry says he welcomes the rest before the start of the Western Conference finals, a weeklong hiatus that the Phoenix coach believes will make 7-footer Robin Lopez available for the series.

Lakers earn week of rest after sweep (AP)
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be losing their grip on the conference they've dominated for nearly three years. Now that grip looks more like a chokehold again, and only the Phoenix Suns still have a chance to break it. With six consecutive playoff victories illustrating everything the defending champions do so well, the Lakers earned a week of rest and practice...

Resting Suns could get C Lopez back (AP)
Alvin Gentry says he welcomes the rest before the start of the Western Conference finals, a weeklong hiatus that the Phoenix coach believes will make 7-footer Robin Lopez available for the series. Lopez, out since March 23 with a back injury (bulging disk), scrimmaged on Tuesday in the team's first practice since wrapping up a four-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.

Philadelphia 76ers interview Suns' Dan Majerle, Blazers' Monty Williams for head coaching job
Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle and Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams have met with the Philadelphia 76ers to discuss the team's vacant coaching job.

Suns sweep Spurs to reach West finals (AP)
Coach Alvin Gentry calls it "synergy," a word that means, essentially, something greater than the sum of its parts. That's perfect for these upstart Phoenix Suns. They are, in simpler terms, a lot better than just about anyone expected them to be. The Suns have won six playoff games in a row, a franchise record, dispatching their longtime nemesis San Antonio with a four-game sweep to...

Bogut won't play for Australia in worlds (AP)
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut will sit out the world championships for Australia after being ruled out of the tournament due to injuries. Basketball Australia said Monday that Bogut, who sustained a season-ending injury to his right arm in a game against the Phoenix Suns last month, was forced to withdraw from the Australia squad that will play at the world titles in Turkey beginning in...

Suns sweep Spurs to advance to Western finals
Steve Nash scored 20 points and played with a right eye that was swollen shut as Phoenix swept San Antonio from the Western Conference semifinals with a 107-101 win Sunday night.

Suns sweep Spurs to reach West finals (AP)
The Phoenix Suns swept away seven years of bad playoff memories brought by the San Antonio Spurs. Steve Nash scored 20 points and played with a right eye that was swollen shut as Phoenix swept San Antonio from the Western Conference semifinals with a 107-101 win Sunday night. Amare Stoudemire led the way with 29 points to help the Suns get past the Spurs in the playoffs for the first time in five...

Suns sweep Spurs in Game 4
Phoenix brushes aside recent history to knock out Spurs.

Dragic leads Suns to 3-0 lead over Spurs (AP)
The Phoenix Suns are one win away from revenge. Goran Dragic scored 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and the Suns took a stunning 3-0 lead over San Antonio in the Western Conference semifinals with a 110-96 on Friday night, putting the Spurs in a historically irreparable hole. The Spurs have put Phoenix through a decade of postseason misery, ousting the Suns from the playoffs four...

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker in starting lineup for Game 3
Tony Parker returned to San Antonio's starting lineup for Game 3 against Phoenix on Friday night after coming off the bench for the past month.

Down 2-0, Spurs face key game vs. Suns (AP)
Maybe the Phoenix Suns really have a chance this time. The San Antonio Spurs retreated home Thursday after falling behind 2-0 to Phoenix in the Western Conference semifinals. Game 3 is Friday night in San Antonio. It's the most commanding lead Phoenix has built in a decade of postseason misery against the four-time NBA champion Spurs.

'Los Suns' pull away from Spurs, take 2-0 lead
Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Channing Frye made 5 of 6 3-pointers, and Phoenix, wearing its orange "Los Suns" jerseys in part to protest Arizona's new anti-immigration law, pulled away for a 110-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

'Los Suns' take 2-0 series lead on Spurs (AP)
Los Suns ganaron. That means the Suns won. Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Channing Frye made 5 of 6 3-pointers, and Phoenix, wearing its orange "Los Suns" jerseys in part to protest Arizona's new anti-immigration law, pulled away for a 110-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

President Barack Obama gives shout out to 'Los Suns' of Phoenix
President Barack Obama has given a shout-out to NBA's Phoenix Suns, who are wearing jerseys that say "Los Suns" to honor the Latino community, diversity and the state of Arizona.

Obama supports 'Los Suns' jerseys (AP)
President Barack Obama has given a shout-out to NBA's Phoenix Suns, who are wearing jerseys that say "Los Suns" to honor the Latino community, diversity and the state of Arizona. Obama made the remarks at the beginning of a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rose Garden. The president said: "I know that a lot of you would rather be watching tonight's game -- the Spurs against...

Suns to don 'Los Suns' jerseys for Game 2
The Phoenix Suns will wear "Los Suns'' on their jerseys Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, owner Robert Sarver said, "to honor our Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation.''

Phoenix to wear 'Los Suns' jerseys for Game 2
The Phoenix Suns will wear "Los Suns'' on their jerseys Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, owner Robert Sarver said, "to honor our Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation.''

Suns to wear 'Los Suns' jerseys (AP)
The Phoenix Suns will wear "Los Suns" on their jerseys Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, owner Robert Sarver said, "to honor our Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation." The decision to wear the jerseys on the Cinco de Mayo holiday stems from a law passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed by Gov.

Phoenix Suns to wear 'Los Suns' on jerseys on Cinco de Mayo
The Suns will wear "Los Suns" on their jerseys Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Nash's 33 and 10 lift Suns by Spurs (AP)
Sore hip? What sore hip? After resting his strained right hip for three days, Steve Nash had 33 points and 10 assists, and the Phoenix Suns broke their Game 1 curse against the San Antonio Spurs with a 111-102 victory on Monday night in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series. Any doubt that Nash would be slowed by the injury ended in the early minutes of the game, when he made his...

Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez out for Game 1 of Western Conference semifinals
Phoenix center Robin Lopez declared himself out for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio on Monday but says he still thinks he will be ready to play at some point in the series.

Spurs' road runs through Phoenix again (AP)
In their last three NBA championship seasons, the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Phoenix Suns along the way. The last two, Phoenix had the homecourt advantage. Here they are again, opening the Western Conference semifinals in Phoenix on Monday night, the Suns seeded No. 3 and San Antonio No. 7. "We're going to gear it up again," the Spurs' Tim Duncan said, "and I know people...

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash sits out practice with sore hip
Phoenix playmaker Steve Nash sat out practice on Saturday and will do so again on Sunday to rest his sore right hip

Suns' playoff history haunted by Spurs (AP)
Demons lurk for the Phoenix Suns in their upcoming playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. They were also there in Game 1 of the 2007 Western Conference semifinals, when the Suns' Steve Nash collided head-on with Tony Parker. A cut on Nash's nose bled uncontrollably and he was forced to sit out 45 seconds of the critical final minute of a close loss in Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash sits out practice with sore hip
Phoenix playmaker Steve Nash sat out practice on Saturday and will do so again on Sunday to rest his sore right hip

Suns' Nash misses practice with sore hip (AP)
Phoenix playmaker Steve Nash sat out practice on Saturday and will do so again on Sunday to rest his sore right hip. The two-time league MVP said the rest should make him ready for Monday night's Western Conference semifinal opener against the San Antonio Spurs. The team had Friday off, so that would mean three days' rest before he plays again.

2010 NBA playoffs: Jason Kidd is no-show at Dallas Mavericks exit interviews
Jason Kidd did not attend the Dallas Mavericks' end-of-season meetings Friday and instead made an early return home to Phoenix, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said.

Suns finish off Trail Blazers in 6 games (AP)
Jason Richardson wanted to be the wild card in the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns. So while the Portland Trail Blazers were focused on Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, Richardson came up big for the third time in the first-round series, scoring 28 points in a 99-90 Game 6 victory Thursday night. The win sends the third-seeded Suns into the second round against seventh-seeded San Antonio, which...

Richardson's 3s help Suns eliminate Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 28 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Phoenix Suns advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 99-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 6 on Thursday night.

Spurs blow 22-point lead, but oust Mavs (AP)
The Spurs moved on, and Dallas is done early again. Manu Ginobili scored 26 points and San Antonio survived blowing a 22-point lead to beat the Mavericks 97-87 in Game 6 on Thursday night, handing Dirk Nowitzki and second-seeded Dallas another first-round exit. The Spurs got payback after the Mavs eliminated them a year ago, and will play either Phoenix or Portland in the Western Conference...

Phoenix Suns oust Portland Trail Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 28 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Phoenix Suns advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 99-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 6 on Thursday night.

Reserves spur Suns as Blazers near elimination
The Phoenix Suns overcame an early 14-point deficit to rout the Portland Trail Blazers 107-88 on Monday night and take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Frye, Dudley spark Suns to Game 5 win (AP)
When the Phoenix Suns win in this playoff series, they win by a mile. Channing Frye and Jared Dudley rediscovered their shooting touch in a 107-88 rout of Portland on Monday night that has the Suns one victory away from eliminating the Trail Blazers from the playoffs. Frye scored 20 points and Dudley 19, the leaders of a Phoenix second unit that played a major role in putting the Suns up 3-2 in the...

Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill wins Joe Dumars Trophy as voted by NBA players
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns has won the Joe Dumars Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship in the 2009-10 season in a vote by NBA players.

Suns F Hill wins sportsmanship award (AP)
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns has won the Joe Dumars Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship in the 2009-10 season in a vote by NBA players. The 37-year-old forward, whose standout early career was derailed by injury but has missed just one game the last two seasons, won the honor for the second time in three years.

Roy returns as Blazers stun Suns to even series
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday.

Roy returns, Blazers knot series at 2 (AP)
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday. LaMarcus Aldridge had 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Blazers, who unexpectedly activated Roy shortly before the game, eight days after...

Blazers tie Suns at 2-2 as Roy returns
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday.

NBA Playoffs: Brandon Roy activated by Portland Trail Blazers before Game 4 against Phoenix Suns
The Portland Trail Blazers unexpectedly activated guard Brandon Roy on Saturday shortly before the start of their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns.

Stunning move: Blazers activate Roy
The Portland Trail Blazers unexpectedly activated guard Brandon Roy on Saturday shortly before the start of their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns.

Suns rout Blazers for 2-1 series lead
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.

Richardson's 42 lead Suns to rout of Blazers
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.

Richardson's 42 carry Suns to 2-1 lead (AP)
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. The Suns led by as many as 31 points before Portland mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, closing within 91-80 after Rudy Fernandez hit three consecutive 3-pointers.

2010 NBA Playoff Central
Portland rebounds to win Game 4 and even its series with Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire given flagrant foul
An NBA review of an elbow thrown by Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire in Thursday night's playoff game deemed the offense worthy of a flagrant foul 1, but not a suspension.

Blazers F Batum re-injures shoulder (AP)
Portland forward Nicolas Batum re-injured his right shoulder late in the first half of the Trail Blazers' playoff game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Batum originally hurt his shoulder in Portland's 119-90 loss Tuesday night in Game 2 of the series. He was questionable going into Game 3, but started.

Suns tie series as tempo leaves Blazers in dust
The Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy game in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

Suns rout Blazers 119-90 to tie series (AP)
Jason Richardson scored 29 points, Grant Hill made 10-of-11 shots for 20, and the Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy style in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. Unlike Game 1, Steve Nash pushed the Suns to their preferred tempo from the start and finished with 13 points and 16 assists.

Blazers try to seize 2-0 lead in Phoenix


Suns even series with rout of Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 29 points, Grant Hill made 10-of-11 shots for 20, and the Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy game in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

Short-handed Blazers slip past Suns in Game 1
Andre Miller scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and tied his career playoff high with 31 points as the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers stole homecourt advantage from Phoenix with a 105-100 victory over the Suns on Sunday night.

Miller keys Blazers' road win over Suns (AP)
Brandon Roy or no Brandon Roy, the Portland Trail Blazers give the Phoenix Suns fits. Game 1 of their first-round playoff series was no exception, and the homecourt advantage the Suns worked so hard to get is history after Portland pulled away over the final 4 1/2 minutes to beat them 105-100 on Sunday night.

Trail Blazers look to slow sizzling Suns (AP)
Even without Brandon Roy, the Portland Trail Blazers could be no pushover for Phoenix. No team in the NBA has been better at disrupting the free-flowing offense of the Suns. In three games against the Blazers, two of them won by Portland, the Suns averaged 98 points, a dozen below Phoenix's league-best season average of just over 110 a game.

Boozer game-time decision for Jazz (AP)
The Utah Jazz say Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision in Saturday's playoff opener at Denver. Boozer has a strained muscle in his rib cage and did not play Wednesday when the Jazz closed out the regular season with a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Coach Jerry Sloan said before practice Friday that the Jazz hoped Boozer would be ready to play in Denver, but his status is still uncertain.

Suns carry momentum into postseason (AP)
If momentum means anything going into the postseason, the Phoenix Suns surely have it. Disregarded at the beginning of the season as a borderline playoff contender at best, the Suns won 14 of their last 16 games, a run punctuated by back-to-back blowout wins at home over Denver and at Utah. The victories earned the Suns the No.

Carlos Boozer to be game-time decision for Utah Jazz's playoff opener vs. Phoenix Suns
Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision in the Jazz's playoff opener at Denver.

Suns down Jazz to earn No. 3 seed for playoffs
Steve Nash had 11 assists in just three quarters, Amare Stoudemire finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns easily clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference by beating the Utah Jazz 100-86 on Wednesday night.

Suns secure No. 3 seed, drop Jazz to 5th (AP)
Steve Nash had 11 assists in just three quarters, Amare Stoudemire finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns easily earned the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference by beating the Utah Jazz 100-86 on Wednesday night. Channing Frye scored 10 of his 15 points in the second quarter and Goran Dragic added 12 points for the Suns, who capped their surge through the West standings by...

Suns torch Nuggets for home court in first round
The Phoenix reserves completed a 123-101 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night that gave the Suns homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Magic set NBA season record for 3s (AP)
The Orlando Magic have set a record for most 3-pointers in a single season. Vince Carter made the Magic's 838th shot from beyond the arc Wednesday night just before halftime against the Philadelphia 76ers. That surpasses the mark of 837 set by the 2005-06 Phoenix Suns. Carter's shot from the corner just in front of the Magic's bench came with 20.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Suns clinch home court for 1st round (AP)
The overachieving Phoenix Suns have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns, considered a borderline playoff contender when the season began, used the dominating power of Amare Stoudemire, the virtuoso playmaking of Steve Nash and an array of long-range shooters to rout the Denver Nuggets 123-101 on Tuesday night.

Suns secure home court in 1st round
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points and Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter while the Phoenix reserves completed a 123-101 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night that gave the Suns homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Phoenix Suns' Robin Lopez still bothered by bulging disc in back
Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez remains sidelined with a back injury and the chances of him returning for the playoffs are diminishing.

Suns C Lopez could miss playoffs (AP)
Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez remains sidelined with a back injury and the chances of him returning for the playoffs are diminishing. The 7-footer, out with a bulging disk, was examined by a specialist on Monday. The team released a statement saying that Lopez did not get an epidural injection, is progressing well and was to be re-evaluated in a week.

Suns get hot from 3 to pull away from Rockets
Amare Stoudemire had 35 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns used 3-pointers to pull away at the finish to beat the Houston Rockets 116-106 on Sunday night.

Amare helps Suns move into 3rd in West (AP)
Amare Stoudemire had 35 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns used 3-pointers to pull away at the finish to beat the Houston Rockets 116-106 on Sunday night. The Suns made four 3s in a row, two by Channing Frye and one apiece by Steve Nash and Jason Richardson, in a 14-0 run after the Rockets took a 102-100 lead with 3:23 left.

Durant scores 35 as Thunder hold off Suns' rally
Kevin Durant scored 35 points and rookie reserve Serge Ibaka hit a crucial basket in the final minute, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to stave off a late rally by the Phoenix Suns in a 96-91 victory Friday night.

Thunder tighten defense, hold off Suns (AP)
Kevin Durant scored 35 points and rookie reserve Serge Ibaka hit a crucial basket in the final minute, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to stave off a late rally by the Phoenix Suns in a 96-91 victory Friday night. The Thunder limited Phoenix to a season-low 34 points in the second half but needed a late basket from an unlikely source to avoid a third straight hearbreaking defeat.

Thunder C Krstic out with knee injury (AP)
Thunder center Nenad Krstic was not in uniform for Oklahoma City's game against Phoenix on Friday night due to a right knee contusion. Krstic's absence marked only the third time in 79 games this season that the Thunder did not have their entire starting lineup intact. Krstic also missed one game in late November with a sore left Achilles' tendon and another about a week later with a...

Surging Suns end Spurs' win streak at 4 (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 29 points and Phoenix dominated San Antonio most of Wednesday night in a 112-101 victory that snapped the Spurs' four-game winning streak and kept the Suns tied for second in the Western Conference with four games to play. Jason Richardson scored 20 and Steve Nash had 16 points and 12 assists in Phoenix's 11th victory in 12 games.

Mavs run home streak over Grizzlies to 9 (AP)
Caron Butler scored 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stopped a two-game skid with a 110-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Jason Terry contributed 16 points, J.J. Barea had 14, and Jason Kidd had 12 points and 10 assists for Dallas, which is battling Utah, Denver, Phoenix and Oklahoma City for the No.

Ginobili and Spurs close to new contract (AP)
Manu Ginobili said Wednesday he's "closer than ever" to an agreement on a new contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Speaking before the Spurs played the Phoenix Suns, Ginobili said reports that the three-year extension is done were a bit premature. "We're still working on a couple of details and stuff but we've made a lot of progress," he said, "and I'm happy...

Suns sign D-League top rebounder Jones (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have signed forward-center Dwayne Jones, the leading rebounder in the NBA Developmental League this season. The team announced the move Monday. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Jones averaged 17.6 points and 16 rebounds for the Austin Toros. He has had NBA stints with Charlotte, Cleveland and Boston since coming to the league in 2005.

Bucks' Bogut suffers major arm injuries
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut has a broken hand, dislocated elbow and sprained wrist that will keep him out indefinitely after a hard fall in Saturday night's victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Bucks' Bogut out with multiple injuries (AP)
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut has a broken hand, dislocated elbow and sprained wrist that will keep him out indefinitely after a hard fall in Saturday night's victory over the Phoenix Suns. The team said Sunday it does not know when he will return, but the injuries leave his availability for a potential playoff run in doubt.

Bucks end Suns' 10-game streak, lose Bogut
Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, helping the Milwaukee Bucks end the Phoenix Suns' 10-game winning streak with a 107-98 victory Saturday night.

Bogut hospitalized with elbow injury (AP)
Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, helping the Milwaukee Bucks end the Phoenix Suns' 10-game winning streak with a 107-98 victory Saturday night. Now the Bucks must wait to see if they'll have to face life without Andrew Bogut after their standout center sustained an elbow injury. Bogut, Milwaukee's leading scorer and rebounder, was taken to the hospital for tests after hurting his...

Milwaukee Bucks' Andrew Bogut helped off court after awkward fall
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut has been helped off the court after falling hard to the floor and awkwardly twisting his right elbow Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns.

Hawks G Johnson sits with sprained thumb (AP)
Atlanta guard Joe Johnson missed the Hawks' game Saturday night against Detroit because of a sprained right thumb. Johnson, the Hawks' leading scorer since joining the team in a 2005 sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix, injured his right hand in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Suns ride Amare to 10th straight win (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have won 10 straight games, have 50 victories this season, and still might not get home-court advantage in the first round. Suns coach Alvin Gentry isn't sure what else his team can do. The Suns (50-26) shot 56 percent from the floor and moved their winning streak to double figures Friday night with a 109-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Stoudemire leads Suns to 10th straight victory
Amare Stoudemire scored 27 points on 13-of-15 shooting, and the Phoenix Suns won their 10th straight with a 109-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Dallas Mavericks to play Phoenix Suns in third NBA preseason game to be held outdoors
The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns will play in the third NBA preseason game to be held outdoors -- on Oct. 9 in Indian Wells, Calif.

Streaking Suns need 2nd-half spark to top Nets
Steve Nash had 24 points and 14 assists, Jason Richardson scored 23 points, and the Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to nine games by beating the New Jersey Nets 116-105 Wednesday night.

Suns use big 3rd to win ninth straight (AP)
Sluggish for two quarters, explosive the next one. The Phoenix Suns still pile up the points, and on Wednesday night they rang up far too many for the NBA's lowest-scoring team to keep up. Steve Nash had 24 points and 14 assists, Jason Richardson scored 23 points, and the Suns ran their winning streak to nine games by beating the New Jersey Nets 116-105.

Suns win ninth straight, roll past Nets (AP)
Steve Nash had 24 points and 14 assists, Jason Richardson scored 23 points, and the Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to nine games by beating the New Jersey Nets 116-105 Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire had 15 points and three reserves were in double figures for the Suns, who followed a sluggish first half by hitting all six 3-point attempts in a 38-point third quarter that turned around the...

Suns hold off Bulls, clinch playoff spot (AP)
Jason Richardson scored 27 points and Channing Frye hit a clutch 3-pointer with 41.6 seconds to go Tuesday night and the Phoenix Suns clinched a playoff berth by beating the Chicago Bulls 111-105 for their eighth straight win. Steve Nash scored seven of his 22 points in the final two minutes and had 10 assists.

Wolves match club-record 16-game skid (AP)
Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 17 rebounds, helping the Phoenix Suns hold off Minnesota for a 111-105 victory on Sunday night -- and the Timberwolves matched a franchise record with their 16th loss in a row. Kevin Love had 23 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, and Al Jefferson put up 19 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves on a startling second-half comeback after falling behind...

Robin Lopez of Phoenix Suns to treat back injury with rest, rehab
Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez will treat his back injury with rest, medication and rehabilitation following a visit to a specialist on Sunday.

Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez skips road trip with back injury
Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez stayed home because of a back injury when the team left for a five-game road trip.

Suns' ailing C Lopez skips road trip (AP)
Phoenix Suns center Robin Lopez stayed home because of a back injury when the team left for a five-game road trip. General manager Steve Kerr says an MRI exam on Saturday showed a bulging disk, and the 7-footer will see a back specialist Monday. Kerr says Lopez has had back spasms the last few days, leading to the MRI.

Suns continue surge, rout Knicks 132-96 (AP)
Leandro Barbosa scored 18 points in his fifth game back from wrist surgery to help the Phoenix Suns stretch their winning streak to a season-best six games with a 132-96 rout of the New York Knicks on Friday night. The Suns have won 20 of 25 to climb within a half-game of No. 4 Utah and a game of No. 3 Dallas in the Western Conference.

Amare, Suns hold off Warriors 133-131 (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 37 points, Jason Richardson had a season-high 34, and the Phoenix Suns held off the Golden State Warriors 133-131 on Monday night for their fifth straight victory. Reggie Williams, an NBA Development League product who was signed for the remainder of the season on Monday, scored a career-high 29 points for Golden State.

High-scoring Suns tip Warriors to extend streak
Amare Stoudemire scored 37 points, Jason Richardson had a season-high 34, and the Phoenix Suns held off the Golden State Warriors 133-131 on Monday night for their fifth straight victory.

Dudley rallies Suns past streaking Trail Blazers
Jared Dudley scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and Grant Hill hit two key baskets, lifting the Phoenix Suns to a 93-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night for their fourth straight win.

Suns top Blazers for fourth straight win (AP)
Jared Dudley scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and Grant Hill hit two key baskets, lifting the Phoenix Suns to a 93-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night for their fourth straight win. The loss ended Portland's five-game winning streak and was only the Trail Blazers' second defeat in nine games.

Stoudemire scores 44 as Suns defeat Jazz (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored the first 11 points for Phoenix en route to a season-high 44 and the Suns led all the way in a 110-100 victory over Utah on Friday night that pulled them within a game of the Jazz for fourth place in the West. Stoudemire made 14 of 16 shots and 16 of 18 free throws in his 15th career 40-point performance.

Stoudemire nets 44 points as Suns gain on Jazz
Amare Stoudemire scored the first 11 points for Phoenix en route to a season-high 44 and the Suns led all the way in a 110-100 victory over Utah on Friday night that pulled them within a game of the Jazz for fourth place in the West.

MRI reveals Utah Jazz's Deron Williams has shoulder bruise
Utah guard Deron Williams has a bruised left shoulder and mild left ankle sprain and is a game-time decision for Friday at Phoenix.

Suns score 152 to win in rout
It's an NBA law of physics: Put the highest-scoring team in the league against arguably the worst defense and watch the scoreboard light up like the Fourth of July. Jason Richardson scored 27 points and Amare Stoudemire 25, then sat with the rest of the Phoenix starters while the Suns' reserves finished off a 152-114 rout of Minnesota on Monday night in the highest-scoring game by an NBA team this season.

Defense rests: Suns score 152 in rout of Wolves
Jason Richardson scored 27 points and Amare Stoudemire 25, then sat with the rest of the Phoenix starters while the Suns' reserves finished off a 152-114 rout of Minnesota on Monday night in the highest-scoring game by an NBA team this season.

Suns rout Wolves 152-114 behind 15 3s (AP)
Jason Richardson scored 27 points and Amare Stoudemire 25, then sat with the rest of the Phoenix starters while the Suns' reserves finished off a 152-114 rout of Minnesota on Monday night in the highest-scoring game by an NBA team this season. Lou Amundson matched his career high with 20 points as Phoenix sent the Timberwolves to their 10th straight loss and 16th in the last 17 games.

Suns assigns first-round pick Earl Clark to NBA Development League
The Phoenix Suns have assigned first-round draft pick Earl Clark to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League.

Suns ride Nash, Amare past Hornets (AP)
Steve Nash had 13 points and 12 assists in his 1,000th NBA game and his favorite receiver Amare Stoudemire had a dominant 36-point, 12-rebound performance in the Phoenix Suns' 120-106 victory over the depleted New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Nash, in his 14th NBA season, became the 10th active player in the league to reach the 1,000-game milestone.

Nash connects with Stoudemire in Suns' victory
Steve Nash had 13 points and 12 assists in his 1,000th NBA game and his favorite receiver Amare Stoudemire had a dominant 36-point, 12-rebound performance in the Phoenix Suns' 120-106 victory over the depleted New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

New Orleans Hornets guard James Posey doesn't travel to Phoenix
Hornets forward James Posey did not travel with the team to Phoenix on Saturday and will miss Sunday night's game against the Suns.

Kobe, Lakers outlast Nash, Suns in Phoenix


Lakers win intense game vs. Suns, 102-96 (AP)
Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists -- along with seven turnovers -- but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The Suns rallied from 15 down in the second half and led briefly early in the fourth quarter before the Lakers pulled ahead for good.

Kobe, Lakers prevail as Suns get heated in loss
Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists -- along with seven turnovers -- but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Kobe, Lakers taking on Nash, Suns in Phoenix


Phoenix Suns' Channing Frye, Indiana Pacers' Danny Granger suspended one game for altercation
Channing Frye and Danny Granger have been suspended one game without pay by the NBA for their part in an altercation Saturday.

Frye, Granger suspended 1 game for fight (AP)
Phoenix forward Channing Frye and Indiana's Danny Granger have been suspended one game without pay by the NBA for their part in an altercation Saturday. The league punished Frye on Tuesday for throwing a punch. Granger was penalized for fighting with Frye in the final minute of the third quarter in the Suns' 113-105 victory.

Altercations, technicals mar Suns' 1,900th win
Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points for the third consecutive game and the Phoenix Suns beat the Indiana Pacers 113-105 on Saturday for the 1,900th victory in franchise history in a game marred by two fights and eight technical fouls.

Suns ride Amare to rowdy win over Pacers (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points for the third consecutive game and the Phoenix Suns beat the Indiana Pacers 113-105 on Saturday night for the 1,900th victory in franchise history in a game marred by two fights and eight technical fouls. Things got heated with 46.7 seconds remaining in the third period when the Pacers' Earl Watson appeared to push the Suns' Channing Frye.

Williams' big 4th rallies Jazz by Suns (AP)

Deron Williams scored 13 of his 27 points during a 41-point fourth quarter, Mehmet Okur added 24 points, and Utah rallied from a 12-point final period deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 116-108 on Thursday night. The Jazz trailed 98-86 early in the fourth quarter, then reeled off 12 straight points, capped by a 3-pointer by Okur to tie the game.

Jazz score 41 in fourth to overtake Amare, Suns
Deron Williams scored 13 of his 27 points during a 41-point fourth quarter, Mehmet Okur added 24 points, and Utah rallied from a 12-point final period deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 116-108 on Thursday night.

Reserves key as Suns take charge of Nuggets
Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the reserves keyed a big second quarter for the Phoenix Suns in a 101-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Reserves spark Suns' surge past Nuggets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the reserves keyed a big second quarter for the Phoenix Suns in a 101-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Goran Dragic scored 10 first-half points off the bench and the reserves had 24 of 33 second-quarter points, when the Suns quickly erased an early double-digit deficit.

Amare drops 41, but Spurs hold on
Richard Jefferson scored 20 points in his best game since losing his starting job, and the San Antonio Spurs beat Phoenix 113-110 on Sunday to end the Suns' five-game winning streak.

Spurs halt Suns' winning streak at 5 (AP)

Richard Jefferson scored 20 points in his best game since losing his starting job, and the San Antonio Spurs beat Phoenix 113-110 on Sunday to end the Suns' five-game winning streak. Amare Stoudemire had a season-high 41 points and 12 rebounds for Phoenix, but Jefferson and the Spurs hung on late to hand the Suns only their second loss since the All-Star break.

Stoudemire's 41 not enough as Spurs stop Suns
Richard Jefferson scored 20 points in his best game since losing his starting job, and the San Antonio Spurs beat Phoenix 113-110 on Sunday to end the Suns' five-game winning streak.

Lopez's career-high 30 lift surging Suns (AP)
Robin Lopez scored 19 of his career-high 30 points in the first half and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 125-112 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory. Amare Stoudemire added 20 points and Grant Hill had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Suns, who won for the sixth time in seven games since the All-Star break.

Nash's return helps Suns stop depleted 76ers
Jason Richardson scored 24 points, Steve Nash had 20 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup, and the Phoenix Suns beat the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 106-95 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory.

Nash returns with 20 and 14, Suns roll (AP)

Jason Richardson scored 24 points, Steve Nash had 20 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup, and the Phoenix Suns beat the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 106-95 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory. The Suns (36-23) have won 10 of 12 and are 13 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2007-08 season.

Suns' last-second shot ends Thunder run (AP)

Coach Alvin Gentry knows that Jason Richardson's play has become a barometer for the Phoenix Suns' success. So, with the game on the line, he left it to the veteran to give the Suns a lift in the Western Conference standings. Richardson connected on a floater from the foul line with 0.7 seconds left to complete the Suns' rally from a 10-point deficit, and Phoenix snapped the Oklahoma...

Richardson stops streaking Thunder with .7 left
Jason Richardson connected on a floater from the foul line with 0.7 seconds left to complete the Suns' rally from a 10-point deficit and Phoenix snapped the Oklahoma City Thunder's nine-game winning streak with a 104-102 victory on Tuesday night.

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash to miss game vs. Oklahoma City Thunder with lingering soreness
Steve Nash didn't make the Suns' trip to Oklahoma City in order to rest his sore lower back and abdomen.

Suns sweep season series with Kings (AP)

Are the Phoenix Suns, the NBA's highest-scoring team, suddenly becoming a tough defensive team? If the last two games are any indication, they are headed in the right direction. Jason Richardson scored 26 points, Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Steve Nash had 17 assists, leading the Suns to a 104-88 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

Stoudemire, Hill get Suns by Hawks 88-80 (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points for his ninth straight game over 20 to lead the Phoenix Suns to an 88-80 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Grant Hill added 16 points for the Suns, who used a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull away. Josh Smith led Atlanta with 21 points and Joe Johnson scored 19 points.

Amare Stoudemire trade 'unlikely,' Phoenix Suns owner says
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has informed All-Star center Amare Stoudemire that he is unlikely to be traded before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trading deadline.

Dirk, Butler lift Mavs over Amare, Suns (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, and Dallas newcomer Caron Butler started a key third-quarter run in the Mavericks' 107-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire, who has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent days, had 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Suns, who had their five-game road winning streak snapped.

Stoudemire may stay put in Phoenix


Surging Suns beat slumping Grizzlies (AP)

Jason Richardson scored 27 points, Amare Stoudemire added 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns won their sixth game in the last seven with a 109-95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night Richardson was 12 of 17 from the field in the Suns' fifth straight road victory. Robin Lopez finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Cleveland Cavaliers wait as Phoenix Suns gather info on Amare Stoudemire options
The Cavaliers are waiting as the Suns are "gathering information" on a possible Amare Stoudemire trade.

Sources: Others up antes in bidding for Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire
Reports that Amare Stoudemire could be headed to the Cleveland Cavaliers have led other clubs to spice up their offers to the Phoenix Suns, according to sources.

Sources: Cavs inching closer to deal for Amare Stoudemire
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are closing in on a deal that would send all-star forward Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Source: Cleveland Cavaliers not alone in bid for Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire
The Cavaliers have been in touch for weeks with the Suns about a deal that would bring Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland, but several other teams' chances of landing the forward are just as good, a source said.

Report: Cavs looking to land Suns' Stoudemire
The Cavaliers have intensified their efforts to acquire Phoenix Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire according to a published report from Cleveland.

Back to hoops,Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash says Olympic experience 'phenomenal'
Hours after helping his home country kick off the Winter Olympics, Steve Nash was back on the basketball court Saturday.

Report: Cavs in trade talks to acquire Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire
The Plain Dealer is reporting the Cleveland Cavaliers are in negotiations to acquire Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire.

Injury-depleted Blazers hold off Suns (AP)
Steve Blake had 20 points and 12 assists, both season highs, and the depleted Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally by Phoenix to snap the Suns' five-game winning streak 108-101 on Wednesday night. The Blazers, who led by as many as 22 in the third quarter and 17 in the fourth, shot 58 percent, the highest the Suns have allowed this season.

Suns have 5-game streak snapped by Blazers
Steve Blake had 20 points and 12 assists, both season highs, and the depleted Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally by Phoenix to snap the Suns' five-game winning streak 108-101 on Wednesday night.

The Phoenix Suns announced they won't increase ticket prices
The Phoenix Suns say they won't increase season-ticket prices next year for the second consecutive season. The team also plans to reduce prices in selected sections for 2010-11.

Durant to defend All-Star H-O-R-S-E win (AP)
Kevin Durant will defend his title in the H-O-R-S-E competition at All-Star weekend. The Oklahoma City forward will face fellow All-Star Rajon Rondo of Boston and Sacramento rookie Omri Casspi. The field was announced Monday night on TNT, which will televise Saturday's events. Durant won the inaugural competition last year in Phoenix, hitting some long jumpers to rally after picking up four...

Suns surging as Nash turns 36 (AP)
The Phoenix Suns are surging amid speculation Amare Stoudemire could be traded in the next two weeks. Steve Nash turned 36 on Sunday with the Suns on a season-high, five-game winning streak that includes their first 4-0 road trip since December 2006. Nash said it would be a shame to see Stoudemire traded away, with the team playing as well as it is.

Nash, Amare help Suns cap 4-0 road trip (AP)

Less than three weeks ago, the Phoenix Suns came home from a four-game road trip empty-handed and discouraged. The mood around the team is much different after this four-game trip. Steve Nash had 23 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to help the Phoenix Suns complete a perfect road trip with a 114-102 victory over the struggling Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

Pierce, Billups headline 3-point field (AP)
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest. Also chosen for the field Friday were defending champion Daequan Cook of Miami, Golden State rookie Stephen Curry, New York's Danilo Gallinari and Phoenix center Channing Frye. Cook scored 19 points in an overtime round to beat Orlando's Rashard Lewis last year.

Suns match season high, grab fourth win in row
Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night.

Suns top Nuggets for fourth straight win (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night. Jason Richardson added 20 points, and Steve Nash had 17 points and 10 assists as the Suns matched a season high with their fourth straight win. This isn't the easiest of arenas to win in, either.

Stoudemire, Suns blast Nuggets on road
Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night.

Denver Nuggets injuries: Chauncey Billups toplay, Carmelo Anthony questionable vs. Phoenix Suns
Chauncey Billups will be in the Denver Nuggets' lineup against the Phoenix Suns but Carmelo Anthony's status is a game-time decision.

Suns hold off Paul-less Hornets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points and Grant Hill hit two late key baskets and the Phoenix Suns held on to beat the New Orleans Hornets 109-100 on Monday. The Hornets played their second game in a row without All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who is out indefinitely with a left knee injury that coach Jeff Bower said could require surgery.

All-Star Weekend: Phoenix Suns center Channing Frye chosen for 3-point shootout in Dallas, report says
Suns center Channing Frye has been selected for the All-Star Weekend's 3-point Shootout in Arlington, Texas.

Stoudemire leads Suns push past Rockets in OT
Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 36 points, Steve Nash handed out 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 115-111 in overtime on Sunday night.

Amare, Nash carry Suns by Rockets in OT (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 36 points, Steve Nash handed out 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 115-111 in overtime on Sunday night. Nash scored 11 points and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, and Grant Hill added 19 points for the Suns, who snapped a five-game road losing streak.

Nuggets' Karl to coach West All-Stars (AP)
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will direct the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game next month at Cowboys Stadium. With Dallas' loss at Phoenix on Thursday night and the Lakers' Phil Jackson ineligible to coach the team, the Nuggets clinched at least a tie with the Mavericks for the second-best record in the conference through this Sunday's games.

Substitutes spur Suns' comeback vs. Mavericks
Phoenix reserves Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley and Louis Amundson led an unlikely comeback with 14 fourth-quarter points and the Suns rallied to beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-106 on Thursday night.

Suns reserves key comeback to beat Mavs (AP)

Phoenix reserves Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley and Louis Amundson led an unlikely comeback with 14 fourth-quarter points and the Suns rallied to beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-106 on Thursday night. Amare Stoudemire had 22 points before spending the entire fourth quarter on the bench, Steve Nash added 19 points and 11 assists, and Jason Richardson had 17 points to help the Suns snap a three-game...

Felton lifts Bobcats in OT for first win in Phoenix
Stephen Jackson scored 30 points and Charlotte scored nine of the first 11 points in overtime to beat the Suns 114-109 Tuesday night for the Bobcats' first victory in Phoenix in their six seasons in the NBA.

Bobcats post first win in Phoenix in OT (AP)

Stephen Jackson scored 30 points and Charlotte scored nine of the first 11 points in overtime to beat the Suns 114-109 Tuesday night for the Bobcats first victory in Phoenix in their six seasons in the NBA. Jackson, who tied the game at 98 on a 3-pointer with 19.9 seconds remaining, hit a 20-foot jump shot on the Bobcats' first possession of overtime to give Charlotte only its second lead of...

Phoenix Suns' Leandro Barbosa has cyst removed from wrist
The Phoenix Suns say guard Leandro Barbosa underwent successful surgery Tuesday to remove a ganglion cyst in his right wrist and he's expected to be sidelined up to six weeks.

Suns G Barbosa out 6 weeks after surgery (AP)
The Phoenix Suns say guard Leandro Barbosa underwent successful surgery Tuesday to remove a ganglion cyst in his right wrist and he's expected to be sidelined up to six weeks. Barbosa has struggled with the wrist problem since last summer when he sprained it on a fall while playing for the Brazilian national team.

Nash hits 8K assists but Matthews lifts Jazz late
Carlos Boozer had 21 points and 20 rebounds and rookie Wesley Matthews scored 10 of his career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Utah Jazz rallied for a 124-115 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Boozer's 21 and 20 power Jazz over Suns (AP)

Carlos Boozer had 21 points and 20 rebounds and rookie Wesley Matthews scored 10 of his career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Utah Jazz rallied for a 124-115 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Andrei Kirilenko had 25 points and Deron Williams finished with 18 points and 11 assists for the Jazz, who trailed by 17 in the third quarter.

Fantasy Fast Break: Best foot forward?
When will Robin Lopez cool off in Phoenix? How will lingering injuries to Kevin Martin and Joakim Noah impact their Fantasy production? Our Sergio Gonzalez touches on that and much more in his Fantasy Fast Break.




Rose spectacular as Bulls stop Suns in Phoenix
Derrick Rose scored 32 points and the Chicago Bulls shot 51 percent to win their fifth road game of the season, handing the Phoenix Suns only their fifth home loss with a 115-104 victory on Friday night.

Rose's 32 help Bulls beat Suns on road (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 32 points and the Chicago Bulls shot 51 percent to win their fifth road game of the season, handing the Phoenix Suns only their fifth home loss with a 115-104 victory on Friday night. Rose made 15 of 21 shots, including a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer and an emphatic, two-handed fast-break dunk that put Chicago ahead 99-91 with 6:12 to play.

Dragic rallies Suns by depleted Warriors (AP)

Goran Dragic scored 18 of his career-high 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Phoenix Suns past the depleted Golden State Warriors, 112-103 on Saturday night. The second-year guard from Slovenia was 4 of 6 from the field, including 3 of 5 on 3-pointers, and made 7 of 8 free throws in the quarter.

Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa to have surgery, out for a month
Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa will have surgery to remove a cyst on his right wrist and is expected to be sidelined for a month.

Bulls F Noah out with foot injury (AP)
Chicago center Joakim Noah sat out the Bulls' game Saturday night against Houston because of a left foot injury. The 6-foot-11 Noah was a last-minute scratch from the starting lineup after scoring 19 points in 25 minutes Friday night in a 115-104 victory in Phoenix. Noah had started all of Chicago's previous 41 games this season.

Grizzlies hand Suns fourth straight loss (AP)

Rudy Gay scored 31 points, Zach Randolph added 27 points and 11 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies finished a four-game home stretch undefeated with a 125-118 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. O.J. Mayo added 28 points for Memphis, which extended its franchise-best home winning streak to nine games.

Bobcats rout Suns, push home streak to 7 (AP)

Stephen Jackson scored 29 points to surpass 10,000 career points, Gerald Wallace added 29 points and 13 rebounds, and the Charlotte Bobcats continued one of their best stretches in franchise history with a 125-99 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Winning their fourth straight game and extending their team record to seven consecutive home wins, the Bobcats (19-19) were never threatened in...

Crawford sends off Suns with buzzer-beating 3
Jamal Crawford hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap an Atlanta comeback in the final seconds, giving the Hawks a 102-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Hawks top Suns on Crawford's 3 at buzzer (AP)

The Atlanta Hawks worked up a play that was supposed to produce an easy basket and overtime. The plan went awry. The result was even better. Jamal Crawford hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap an Atlanta comeback in the final seconds, giving the Hawks a 102-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Granger, Dunleavy rally Pacers past Suns (AP)

Danny Granger scored 33 points, Mike Dunleavy added a season-high 30 and the Indiana Pacers overcame a 24-point deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-114 on Wednesday night. It was the second straight game the Pacers trailed by more than 20 points in the second quarter and won. Indiana was down 23 against Toronto on Monday before rallying for a victory.

Pacers overcome 24-point deficit, drop Suns
Danny Granger scored 33 points, Mike Dunleavy added a season-high 30 and the Indiana Pacers overcame a 24-point deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-114 on Wednesday night.

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash bloodied, receives seven stitches vs. Indiana Pacers
Steve Nash has left Phoenix's game against Indiana after his mouth was bloodied when he was hit by an elbow from Pacers guard Earl Watson.

Redd, Skiles out as Bucks fall to Suns (AP)

It was a tough day for the Milwaukee Bucks. First the Bucks found out that guard Michael Redd would be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Then, right before the start of the game, coach Scott Skiles was hospitalized with an irregular heartbeat. Without its coach and star guard, Milwaukee seemed lost in the first half as the Bucks found themselves down by 24 points to...

Wade turns lights out on Suns, finishes with 33
Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Jermaine O'Neal made the go-ahead basket with 29.7 seconds left, and the Miami Heat beat the Phoenix Suns.

Wade, O'Neal lift Heat over Suns (AP)

Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Jermaine O'Neal made the go-ahead basket with 29.7 seconds left, and the Miami Heat beat the Phoenix Suns 109-105 on Friday night. O'Neal's basket made it 105-104, and after Jason Richardson's miss, O'Neal converted two free throws with 10.9 seconds left.

Heat sign PG Alston for rest of season (AP)
Rafer Alston got his wish, signing with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season and getting the chance to play alongside Dwyane Wade again. The 33-year-old point guard cleared waivers at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Heat announced the signing about an hour later. Alston will be with the team when it opens a six-game road trip Friday in Phoenix.

Suns hold on after squandering lead to Rockets
Steve Nash scored 26 points and had 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns squandered a 16-point lead before rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 118-110 on Wednesday night.

Suns rally by Rockets in see-saw affair (AP)

Steve Nash scored 26 points and had 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns squandered a 16-point lead before rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 118-110 on Wednesday night. It was a furious game marked by a series of remarkable runs.

Suns hold off Kings to snap 7-game road slide
Steve Nash had 30 points and 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire scored 24 and the Phoenix Suns snapped an seven-game road losing streak with a 113-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

Nash's 30 and 12 help Suns end road skid (AP)

Steve Nash had 30 points and 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire scored 24 and the Phoenix Suns snapped an seven-game road losing streak with a 113-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings erased an entire 20-point first half deficit but could never take the lead against the Suns, falling for the 14th time in the last 16 meetings between the teams.

Grizzlies rip Suns 128-103 to reach .500 (AP)

Suddenly, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team to be reckoned with. O.J. Mayo scored 25 points and reserve Sam Young added a career-high 22 to help the Grizzlies beat the Phoenix Suns 128-103 on Saturday night. The victory lifted the Grizzlies to the .500 mark (16-16) after a 1-8 start. This is the first time they have been at .500 or better this late in the season since 2005-06.

Suns top injury-depleted Celtics 116-98 (AP)

The Boston Celtics already were in trouble without Paul Pierce. Take Kevin Garnett away, too, and it got ugly against the Phoenix Suns. Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye scored 26 points apiece, and the Suns handed what was left of the Celtics their third straight loss, 116-98 on Wednesday night. Without Garnett to guard him, Stoudemire scored 18 on 9-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and...

Celtics lose third straight as Suns roll at home
Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye scored 26 points apiece, and the Phoenix Suns handed what was left of the Boston Celtics their third straight loss, 116-98 on Wednesday night.

Suns trade F Tucker to Wolves for G Hart (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired forward Alando Tucker, a second-round draft pick and cash from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for backup point guard Jason Hart. The Suns then waived Hart. Tucker was originally selected by the Suns in the first round of the 2007 draft at No. 29 overall out of Wisconsin.

Suns spank defending champ Lakers at home
Kobe Bryant used harsh language to describe how badly the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns twice in Los Angeles earlier this season.

Suns hand Lakers second loss in 3 games (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points, Jared Dudley matched his career best with 19 and the Phoenix Suns sent the Los Angeles Lakers to their second loss in three games with a surprising 118-103 rout on Monday night. Kobe Bryant scored 34 for the Lakers but sat out the final 7:50 when the game was deemed out of reach by coach Phil Jackson.

Warriors beat Suns to end 7-game skid (AP)

Corey Maggette scored a season-high 33 points and had eight rebounds, Monta Ellis added 33 points and 10 assists and the Golden State Warriors beat the Phoenix Suns 132-127 on Saturday to end a seven-game skid. Stephen Curry added 13 points, including two free throws with 3 seconds remaining, as Golden State outlasted Phoenix in a game that featured little defense from either team.

Sharpshooting Suns rout Clippers 124-93 (AP)

Asked where his buzzer-beating basket from three quarters of the way down the court ranks among the longest of his career, Grant Hill shrugged, "Top 20." The Phoenix Suns could afford to joke after their 124-93 laugher over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Hill banked it in from the Los Angeles 3-point line to give Phoenix a 67-55 halftime lead, and the Suns went on to beat the...

Suns blast Clippers at home
Amare Stoudemire led seven Phoenix players in double figures with 26 points and the Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth straight time in a 124-93 rout on Friday night.

Sharpshooting Suns rout Clippers 124-93 (AP)

Amare Stoudemire led seven Phoenix players in double figures with 26 points and the Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth straight time in a 124-93 rout on Friday night. Jared Dudley and J.R. Richardson each added 18 for the Suns in their most lopsided victory and the Clippers' worst loss this season.

Durant's 38 lead Thunder past Suns (AP)

Before Phoenix played Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, Suns coach Alvin Gentry complimented the Thunder's Kevin Durant. "I think he'll be one of the all-time great players in the game," Gentry said. "There's nothing he can't do." Durant showed off his skills, scoring 38 points, including a key jumper from behind the key with 14.4 seconds left, lifting the...

Cavs hand Suns first home loss, 109-91 (AP)

LeBron James and Mo Williams led a 15-0 fourth-quarter run and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Phoenix Suns their first home loss of the season, 109-91 on Monday night. James scored 29 and Williams 24 as the Cavs shot 53 percent one night after a tough loss at Dallas. Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists for Phoenix.

Suns move to 10-0 at home, rout Wizards (AP)

Steve Nash had 15 points and 15 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter Saturday night, and the Phoenix Suns improved to 10-0 at home with a 121-95 rout of the Washington Wizards. Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 14 rebounds and Jason Richardson scored 22 as the Suns remained the only team in the NBA without a home loss.

Bayless leads Blazers' rally past Suns (AP)

Jerryd Bayless had a career-high 29 points and made three free throws in the final 9 seconds, and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-102 on Thursday night. Brandon Roy added 27 points and eight rebounds for the injury plagued Blazers, who have won two in a row after dropping six of eight games.

Bayless sparks Blazers to second straight win
Jerryd Bayless had a career-high 29 points and made three free throws in the final 9 seconds, and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-102 on Thursday night.

Amare's dunk helps Suns hold off Magic (AP)

Amare Stoudemire capped a 28-point night with an emphatic offensive rebound dunk with 6.9 seconds to play and the Phoenix Suns stayed unbeaten at home with a 106-103 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. The Magic, at the end of a four-game trip after being beaten at Utah on Thursday, lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

Stoudemire caps Suns' victory with final dunk
Amare Stoudemire capped a 28-point night with an emphatic offensive rebound dunk with 6.9 seconds to play and the Phoenix Suns stayed unbeaten at home with a 106-103 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Nuggets knock back Suns behind Carmelo's 32
Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and Chauncey Billups shook off an awful first half to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 105-99 Saturday night.

Nuggets erase 17-point deficit, top Suns (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and Chauncey Billups shook off an awful first half to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 105-99 Saturday night. Billups, whose first half included three turnovers and three fouls, scored 24 points and sank five 3-pointers in the second half. His turnover with 30 seconds left and the Nuggets leading 101-99 however gave the Suns a shot at a rare win in...

Van Gundy downplays Lewis incident (AP)
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy says it was "no big deal" that Rashard Lewis refused to re-enter the game in the second quarter Thursday night at Utah. Speaking before the Magic played the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Van Gundy called the incident "a one-time thing" Van Gundy said he knows Lewis' act was not in defiance but in what he thought was best for the team, that he...

Howard returns to spur Mavs' rally past Suns
Josh Howard looked sharp coming off a 13-game break to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left ankle, scoring 18 of his 20 points in the second half and leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 102-101 victory over the reeling Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Howard returns, leads Mavericks by Suns (AP)

Josh Howard looked sharp coming off a 13-game break to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left ankle, scoring 18 of his 20 points in the second half and leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 102-101 victory over the reeling Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Howard missed the first five games of the season recovering from the surgery, then lasted just 2 1/2 games.

Josh Howard to return for Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night
Dallas Mavericks swingman Josh Howard will return to the lineup vs. Phoenix on Thursday.

Suns send Taylor Griffin to D-League (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have sent rookie forward Taylor Griffin to the Iowa Energy of the NBA development league. The 6-foot-7 forward was the Suns' second-round pick -- 48th overall -- out of Oklahoma. Griffin had appeared in two games for Phoenix. He is the brother of the draft's No. 1 overall pick, Blake Griffin, who was chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lakers race away from Suns for 9th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night.

Lakers beat Suns for ninth straight win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night. Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the well-rested Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 16-3 with their second home win in 24 days over road-weary Phoenix.

Knicks send Nets back to losing ways (AP)
Larry Hughes scored 16 of his 25 points in the third quarter, and the New York Knicks sent the New Jersey Nets back to their losing ways with a 106-97 victory Sunday. Al Harrington had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks, who capped a strong week with their third win in four games. New York routed Phoenix and won at Atlanta during the week, with its only loss coming at Eastern Conference...

Nash, Stoudemire lead Suns past Kings (AP)

Steve Nash scored 32 points, Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and 21 rebounds and Phoenix used a late 3-point spree to beat Sacramento 115-107 on Saturday night, snapping the Kings' four-game winning streak. Tyreke Evans scored 21 points, and Andres Nocioni had 20 for the Kings, who lost for the eighth straight time in Phoenix.

Amare grabs 21 boards; Suns end Kings' streak
Steve Nash scored 32 points, Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and 21 rebounds and Phoenix used a late 3-point barrage to beat Sacramento 115-107 on Saturday night, snapping the Kings' four-game winning streak.

LeBron, Shaq help Cavs rip Suns 107-90 (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal scored 12 points, LeBron James just missed a triple-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers opened a 30-point lead in the third quarter and dismantled Shaq's former team with a 107-90 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. O'Neal added nine rebounds in 21 minutes, and Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 14 points while setting the club record for games played.

LeBron says he's 50-50 on dunk contest (AP)
LeBron James has performed a 180 on the All-Star slam dunk contest. After saying at last year's event in Phoenix that he planned to dunk in the 2010 festivities in Dallas, James now says he's "50-50" about taking part. James felt last year's contest was too "watered down" and his participation might revive the weekend's signature event.

Knicks coast past Suns to snap five-game skid
Danilo Gallinari had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat Phoenix 126-99 on Tuesday night, snapping a five-game losing streak and giving their coach a resounding victory over his old team.

Knicks top Suns, D'Antoni beats old team (AP)

Mike D'Antoni's offense was as spectacular against the Suns as it used to be with them. Danilo Gallinari had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat Phoenix 126-99 on Tuesday night, snapping a five-game losing streak and giving their coach a resounding victory over his old team.

Cavs' Brown regrets sitting Ilgauskas (AP)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas never got off the bench during his first attempt at history. Given another chance, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown assured it will happen. Ilgauskas will become Cleveland's all-time leader in games played when he enters Wednesday's game at home against Phoenix. He currently shares the record of 723 games with Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry.

NBA fines Stoudemire, Chandler for in-game tweets
The NBA fined Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire and Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyson Chandler $7,500 each Sunday for posting to their Twitter accounts during games in violation of league rules. Stoudemire's Twitter feed was updated during the Suns' 126-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, and Chandler tweeted a message the same night while the Bobcats were on their way to a 116-81 win over Toronto.

Phoenix Suns' Amare Stoudemire, Charlotte Bobcats' Tyson Chandler fined for in-game tweets
The NBA fined Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire and Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyson Chandler $7,500 each Sunday for posting to their Twitter accounts during games in violation of league rules.

NBA fines Amare, Chandler for tweeting (AP)
The NBA fined Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire and Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyson Chandler $7,500 each Sunday for posting to their Twitter accounts during games in violation of league rules. Stoudemire's Twitter feed was updated during the Suns' 126-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, and Chandler tweeted a message the same night while the Bobcats were on their way to a...

Suns win 12th straight over Raptors (AP)

Steve Nash had 20 points and 16 assists, Jason Richardson scored 22 points and the Phoenix Suns won their fourth straight game, 113-94 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and Leandro Barbosa added 17 before leaving with a sore left ankle. Channing Frye scored 15 as Phoenix won its 12th straight over Toronto.

Suns continue reign over Raptors behind Nash
Steve Nash had 20 points and 16 assists, Jason Richardson scored 22 points and the Phoenix Suns won their fourth straight game, 113-94 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Suns hand Wolves 15th straight loss (AP)

While 35-year-old Steve Nash was running circles around players 15 years his junior on the court, the young Minnesota Timberwolves finally started to show signs that all this losing is getting to them. Frowns of frustration and blank stares of disillusionment washed over them as they creep closer to a record that nobody on the team wants to accomplish.

Howard, Magic deal Hawks first home loss (AP)

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 17 rebounds, Vince Carter added 21 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-76 on Thursday night. The Hawks, attempting to tie Phoenix for the NBA's best record, dropped to 11-4. They missed a chance to improve to 8-0 at home for the first time since 1993-94.

Suns down Grizzlies to 15th straight home win
Amare Stoudemire scored 18 of his 28 points during a torrid third quarter and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 126-111 Wednesday night for their 15th consecutive home victory.

Suns earn 15th straight home win (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 18 of his 28 points during a torrid third quarter and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 126-111 Wednesday night for their 15th consecutive home victory. In the third quarter, the scintillating, high-scoring Suns hit their first 12 field-goal attempts and finished the quarter 17 for 20.

Cavs to sit Shaq for sixth straight game
Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal is out for Wednesday's game against Detroit with an injured shoulder, the sixth game in a row he will miss. O'Neal hasn't played since a Nov. 12 win over Miami. The Cavs are being cautious with O'Neal after acquiring him from Phoenix in an offseason trade. They are trying to keep him healthy the second half of the season and playoffs. He hoped to play against the Pistons after practicing Monday. O'Neal has averaged 11.3 points and 6.

Nash leads Suns to surprising fast start (AP)
The Phoenix Suns are supposed to be an aging NBA afterthought, a team that a couple of years ago saw its best title shot slip away. Few could have foreseen the way this team has bolted out of the starting gate. With Steve Nash as good as ever, Amare Stoudemire on the mend and an array of sharpshooters firing away, the Suns are off to an 11-3 start.

Suns cruise past weary Pistons 117-91 (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and Steve Nash added 20 for Phoenix, then sat out the fourth quarter to watch the Suns rout road-weary Detroit 117-91 Sunday night for the Pistons' fifth straight loss. Nash made 7 of 8 shots and had nine assists. Jason Richardson scored 17 as the Suns (11-3), with six players in double figures, improved to 5-0 at home and tied Atlanta and Orlando for the best...

Stojakovic sinks 7 3-pointers in defeat of Suns
Peja Stojakovic hit seven 3-pointers during a 25-point, 13-rebound performance, and the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Phoenix Suns 110-103 on Thursday night.

Stojakovic hits 7 3s as Hornets top Suns (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit seven 3-pointers during a 25-point, 13-rebound performance, and the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Phoenix Suns 110-103 on Thursday night. Devin Brown and rookie Marcus Thornton each scored 19 for New Orleans, which won its second straight under new head coach Jeff Bower. The score was tied at 96 when Stojakovic and rookie Darren Collison hit back-to-back 3s, and New Orleans...

Suns overcome slow start to beat Rockets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points, Steve Nash had 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns recovered from a slow start to beat the Houston Rockets 111-105 on Tuesday night. Jason Richardson scored 20 points for the Suns, who have won eight of their last 11 games against the Rockets in Houston. Carl Landry scored a career-high 27 points off the bench and Aaron Brooks had a career-best 13 assists for the...

Shaq doubtful vs. Warriors on Tuesday (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal is still being treated for a strained shoulder and is listed as doubtful for Cleveland's game against Golden State on Tuesday. O'Neal missed the Cavaliers' 107-104 victory against Utah on Saturday with the same injury. He appeared in 75 games last season for Phoenix, his most since the 1999-00 season in Los Angeles.

Stoudemire rebounds to lead Suns over Raptors
Amare Stoudemire followed one of the worst games of his career with his best game of the season, scoring 30 points to lead Phoenix to a 101-100 victory over Toronto on Sunday night, the Suns' 11th straight win over the Raptors.

Suns win 11th straight vs. Raptors (AP)

Amare Stoudemire followed one of the worst games of his career with his best game of the season, scoring 30 points to lead Phoenix to a 101-100 victory over Toronto on Sunday night, the Suns' 11th straight win over the Raptors. The Suns improved to an NBA-best 9-2, winning their 13th in a row at home.

Lakers cool Suns for sixth straight win (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers ran all over the NBA's speediest team. Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Andrew Bynum had 26 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury, and the Lakers put the brakes on the Phoenix Suns' fast start with a 121-102 victory Thursday night. Josh Powell scored 14 points for the defending champions, who won their sixth straight and improved to 7-1 by handing the Suns...

Kobe, Lakers thrash Nash, Suns
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers come out firing against the flat-footed Suns, dominating Phoenix down low en route to a blowout win.

Lakers look flawless, put brakes on Suns' streak
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Andrew Bynum had 26 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury, and the Lakers put the brakes on the Phoenix Suns' fast start with a 121-102 victory Thursday night.

Suns score 40 in 1st, rout Hornets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash combined to hit all eight of their first-quarter shots and the Phoenix Suns used a sizzling opening period to beat the New Orleans Hornets 124-104 on Wednesday night for their eighth victory in nine games. The Suns (8-1) have the best in the Western Conference and are tied with the Boston Celtics for the league's best mark.

Hornets fire Scott as coach after 3-6 start
A person familiar with the decision says the New Orleans Hornets have fired coach Byron Scott. The person confirmed the firing to The Associated Press and requested anonymity because the team had not yet announced it. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. New Orleans lost 124-104 at Phoenix on Wednesday, falling to 3-6 to start the season. When Scott took over as coach following the 2003-04 season, he was the Hornets' third coach in three seasons.

Hornets fire Scott as coach after slow 3-6 start
A person familiar with the decision says the New Orleans Hornets have fired coach Byron Scott. The person confirmed the firing to The Associated Press and requested anonymity because the team had not yet announced it. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. New Orleans lost 124-104 at Phoenix on Wednesday, falling to 3-6 to start the season. When Scott took over as coach following the 2003-04 season, he was the Hornets' third coach in three seasons.

Suns sizzle to start, make short work of Hornets
Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash combined to hit all eight of their first-quarter shots and the Phoenix Suns used a sizzling opening period to beat the New Orleans Hornets 124-104 on Wednesday night for their eighth victory in nine games.

Celtics improve to 8-1, cruise past Jazz (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 11 assists and the Boston Celtics beat the Utah Jazz 105-86 on Wednesday night to match their 8-1 start from their title-winning season two years ago. Boston has won two in a row since its only loss, to Phoenix on Friday. Kevin Garnett scored 18 points, Paul Pierce had 13 and Ray Allen 15 for the Celtics.

Phoenix a surprising No. 1 in our Power Rankings
We don't expect the Suns to stay atop John Galinsky's Power Rankings all season. But Phoenix deserves some love for its hot start.

Nash has 21 and 20 as Suns beat 76ers (AP)

Jason Richardson scored 29 points, Steve Nash added 21 points and tied his season-high with 20 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-115 on Monday night. The Suns eclipsed the 100-point barrier for the eighth straight game to open a season, which hadn't happened since the 1990-91 season.

Wizards G James out 4-5 weeks with hand injury
Washington Wizards backup guard Mike James is expected to miss up to five weeks with a broken bone in his left hand. The injury was diagnosed Monday, two days after James was hurt in practice. He did not play in Washington's 102-90 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. James has played in only one game this season for the Wizards, who are 2-5 and have lost their past four games.

Shaq no longer taking shots at Howard (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal worked on his kickboxing with Cavaliers teammate Anderson Varejao as the two traded playful jabs following practice. Once talk turned to Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy and Magic superstar Dwight Howard, though, O'Neal put the gloves away. While playing for Phoenix last season, O'Neal was critical of both, mocking Howard's use of the nickname "Superman" while...

Wizards backup G James out 4-5 weeks (AP)
Washington Wizards backup guard Mike James is expected to miss up to five weeks with a broken bone in his left hand. The injury was diagnosed Monday, two days after James was hurt in practice. He did not play in Washington's 102-90 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. James has played in only one game this season for the Wizards, who are 2-5 and have lost their past four games.

Suns top Wizards for sixth straight time (AP)

Jason Richardson scored 22 points, Steve Nash had 17 assists, and the Phoenix Suns maintained their dominance of the Washington Wizards with a 102-90 victory Sunday. The Suns never trailed in the second half as they beat the Wizards for the sixth straight time, including five in a row at the Verizon Center.

Richardson helps Suns extend reign vs. Wizards
Jason Richardson scored 22 points, Steve Nash had 17 assists, and the Phoenix Suns maintained their dominance of the Washington Wizards with a 102-90 victory Sunday.

Celtics bounce back, keep Nets winless (AP)
Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce each scored 16 points, and the Boston Celtics bounced back from their first loss of the season to beat the winless New Jersey Nets 86-76 on Saturday night Ray Allen came alive after three dismal quarters to score eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter for the Celtics (7-1), who lost 110-103 to Phoenix on Friday night, allowing 20 more points than in any previous...

Suns' Richardson has 34, Celtics now 6-1 (AP)

Jason Richardson bounced back from his worst game of the season to score 34 points with 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns rebounded from their only defeat to beat the Boston Celtics 110-103 on Friday night. Kevin Garnett had a season-high 26 points for Boston -- the most he's scored since missing the end of the 2008-09 season and the playoffs with strained ligaments in his right knee.

Magic hand Suns first loss, 122-100 (AP)

Ryan Anderson had 20 and 10 rebounds, Dwight Howard scored 25 and the short-handed Orlando Magic defeated the previously unbeaten Phoenix Suns 122-100 on Wednesday night. Playing without injured Vince Carter and suspended Rashard Lewis, the Magic built a 23-point lead in the third quarter to pull away from the Suns.

Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa out with injured wrist vs. Orlando Magic
Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa is out for the Suns' game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night with an injured right wrist.

Suns' Barbosa out again with bad wrist (AP)
Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa is out for the Suns' game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night with an injured right wrist. Barbosa played only 14 minutes in Phoenix's win against Minnesota on Sunday. He also missed the win at Miami on Tuesday. Through three games, Barbosa was averaging 15.7 points and 56 percent shooting.

Magic G Carter sidelined against Suns (AP)
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle. Carter was first injured Friday against New Jersey. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter aggravated the ankle again Tuesday night versus Detroit. Carter's status is day to day. The 32-year-old guard was Orlando's biggest acquisition this summer.

Magic's Carter sidelined with ankle injury
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle. Carter was first injured Friday against New Jersey. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter aggravated the ankle again Tuesday night versus Detroit. Carter's status is day to day. The 32-year-old guard was Orlando's biggest free agent splash this summer. The Magic acquired Carter from New Jersey in a trade that sent Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie to the Nets.

Hot 4th keeps Suns perfect, hands Heat 1st loss
Steve Nash scored 30 points and added eight assists, and the Phoenix Suns used a dominant fourth quarter to beat the Miami Heat 104-96 in a matchup of NBA unbeatens Tuesday night.

Nash scores 30 as Suns improve to 4-0 (AP)

Sluggish at times offensively, the high-octane Phoenix Suns unveiled a new wrinkle. Zone defense, of all things, kept the Suns unbeaten. Steve Nash scored 25 of his 30 points in the second half, added eight assists and the Suns used a dominant fourth quarter to beat the Miami Heat 104-96 in a matchup of NBA unbeatens Tuesday night.

Phoenix Suns' Leandro Barbosa sits out unbeatens clash vs. Miami Heat
Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa missed the Suns' game Tuesday night against the Miami Heat with an injured right wrist.

Miami Heat sharpshooter Daequan Cook sidelined by shoulder
Miami swingman Daequan Cook is out for the Heat's game against Phoenix because of problems with his strained right shoulder.

Suns beat Wolves in Richardson's debut (AP)

Channing Frye hit six 3-pointers and scored 25 points, Jason Richardson had 23 points in his first game following a two-game suspension and the undefeated Phoenix Suns beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-112 Sunday night. The victory was the Suns' 11th straight at home dating to last season and improved their home record to 16-3 under Coach Alvin Gentry, who replaced Terry Porter in February.

Nash has 20 assists, Suns rout Warriors (AP)

Anybody waiting for Steve Nash to show his age, well, keep waiting. The 35-year-old point guard scored 18 points and had the sixth 20-assist game of his career Friday night in Phoenix's 123-101 rout of the Golden State Warriors in the Suns' home opener. The performance came two nights after he scored 14 fourth-quarter points, including the game-winning basket, in the Suns' season opener...

Phoenix Suns exercise options on Jared Dudley and Robin Lopez
The Phoenix Suns exercised their options on the contracts of forward Jared Dudley and center Robin Lopez for the 2010-11 season, but declined the option on the contract of swingman Alando Tucker.

Suns pick up options on Dudley, Lopez (AP)
The Phoenix Suns exercised their options on the contracts of forward Jared Dudley and center Robin Lopez for the 2010-11 season, but declined the option on the contract of swingman Alando Tucker. Dudley is entering his first full season with the Suns after being acquired in a multiplayer trade with Charlotte on Dec.

Nash's 24 get Suns by Clippers 109-107 (AP)

Steve Nash scored 15 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, when he rallied the Phoenix Suns to a 109-107 season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Grant Hill had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Leandro Barbosa added 17 points, Amare Stoudemire 16 and Channing Frye 12 for the Suns, who won their fifth in a row over the Clippers.

Phoenix Suns gets rights to ex-Portland Trail Blazers center Jarron Collins
The Suns were awarded the rights to former Blazers center Jarron Collins.

Suns awarded rights to C Jarron Collins (AP)
The Phoenix Suns on Monday were awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins, who was waived last week by the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-11 Collins is an eight-year NBA veteran who played for the Utah Jazz. He has career averages of 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 480 games. The 30-year-old Collins is the younger twin brother of Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins.

Blazers sign Aldridge to 5-year extension
The Portland Trail Blazers signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension on Thursday. The terms of the deal have not been announced. The team was in Vancouver, British Columbia, for an exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers scheduled a news conference in Portland on Friday. Aldridge, the second overall pick in the 2006 draft out of Texas, was acquired by the Blazers in a draft-day trade from the Chicago Bulls. Last season, he averaged 18.1 points and 7.

Nash injures ankle as Suns beat Kings (AP)

Channing Frye scored 29 points, Amare Stoudemire had 26, and the fast-moving Phoenix Suns overcame the losses of Steve Nash and Grant Hill to beat the Sacramento Kings 143-127 on Tuesday night in their final home preseason game. Nash left in the second half with an injured right ankle and Hill was ejected after getting two technical fouls for arguing with the officials.

Suns spoil Blazers' return to old arena (AP)

Steve Nash had 23 points and 15 assists and the Phoenix Suns returned to the Portland's old Memorial Coliseum much same way they left it -- with a victory over the Trail Blazers. The Suns spoiled Portland's retro return to the birthplace of "Rip City" with a 110-104 win on Wednesday night.

Warriors bench blasts Suns in outdoor game
Anthony Morrow scored 30 points off the bench and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 104-101 in an outdoor exhibition game on Saturday night at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The game, hosted by the Suns, was played in calm conditions and with temperatures in the 70s. Last year's inaugural outdoor game in the tennis facility was hampered by winds that impacted shooting and cold temperatures that had players complaining they couldn't stay warm on the bench.

Warriors beat Suns in outdoor exhibition (AP)

Anthony Morrow scored 30 points off the bench and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 104-101 in an outdoor exhibition game on Saturday night at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The game, hosted by the Suns, was played in calm conditions and with temperatures in the 70s. Last year's inaugural outdoor game in the tennis facility was hampered by winds that impacted shooting and...

Suns center Lopez to undergo foot surgery
Suns center Robin Lopez will have surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Lopez broke his fifth metatarsal - the long bone on the outside of his foot that connects to the little toe - in the second half of the team's intrasquad scrimmage Saturday in San Diego. Team officials say the procedure to insert a screw in Lopez's foot will be performed Tuesday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns' Robin Lopez out 6-8 weeks with broken left foot
Suns center Robin Lopez will have surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

VIDEO: NBA Tipoff: Suns
Shaq's gone. Stoudemire's healthy. Nash is back. So the Suns will run. But will they win? Our NBA Tipoff catches up with Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns ready to get back to run-and-gun style without Shaquille O'Neal
With the failed Shaquille O'Neal experiment in their rearview mirror, the Phoenix Suns plan to put the pedal to the metal and hope for the best.

Marion, Kidd reunited with Mavericks (AP)
Shawn Marion is hoping Jason Kidd can turn him into an All-Star again. Kidd was the point guard who helped break Marion into the league with Phoenix in 1999-2000. They spent two years together, then Kidd moved on while Marion blossomed into a four-time All-Star with the Suns. Now they are reunited with the Dallas Mavericks.

Wolves sign G Pavlovic to 1-year deal (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have added size on the perimeter by signing 6-foot-7 shooting guard Sasha Pavlovic to a one-year deal. Pavlovic agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns earlier this week. The Cavaliers traded him to Phoenix as part of the deal that brought Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland.

Suns buy out contract of newly acquired Pavlovic
The Phoenix Suns reached an agreement on a contract buyout with swingman Sasha Pavlovic, who was acquired from Cleveland as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers. Terms of the buyout were not disclosed Tuesday. Pavlovic's contract was acquired along with that of center Ben Wallace, a future conditional second-round selection and cash considerations from Cleveland in exchange for O'Neal on June 25. The Suns and Wallace agreed to a contract buyout on July 13.

Phoenix Suns reach buyout deal with ex-Cav Pavlovic
The Phoenix Suns reached an agreement on a contract buyout with swingman Sasha Pavlovic, who was acquired from Cleveland as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers.

Suns buy out contract of Pavlovic (AP)
The Phoenix Suns reached an agreement on a contract buyout with swingman Sasha Pavlovic, who was acquired from Cleveland as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers. Terms of the buyout were not disclosed Tuesday. Pavlovic's contract was acquired along with that of center Ben Wallace, a future conditional second-round selection and cash considerations from Cleveland in...

NBA suspends Denver Nuggets' J.R. Smith, Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson
The NBA has suspended Denver's J.R. Smith and Phoenix's Jason Richardson after both were recently convicted of driving offenses.

NBA suspends Smith, Richardson (AP)
The NBA has suspended Denver's J.R. Smith and Phoenix's Jason Richardson after both were recently convicted of driving offenses. Smith will sit out the Nuggets' first seven games for pleading guilty to reckless driving in New Jersey. Richardson will miss two games after he pleaded guilty to drunken driving in Arizona.

Suns' Gentry adds Shumate as assistant (AP)
John Shumate will join Alvin Gentry's coaching staff with the Phoenix Suns. The team announced on Monday that Shumate would be the Suns' fourth assistant coach. He had been in the Suns scouting department for all but one of the last eight years. Phoenix drafted Shumate out of Notre Dame as the fourth overall pick in 1974.

Suns sign second-round pick Taylor Griffin - Taylor Griffin (F) Phoenix Suns
The Suns signed second-round draft pick Taylor Griffin on Monday to what is likely a non-guaranteed minimum contract.

Phoenix Suns sign second-rounder Taylor Griffin
The Suns have signed second-round pick Taylor Griffin to a contract.

Suns sign 2nd-round pick Taylor Griffin (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have signed second-round pick Taylor Griffin to a contract. Griffin, the older brother of first overall pick Blake Griffin, averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds as a senior at Oklahoma. Terms of the deal Monday were not disclosed. The forward averaged 6.2 points, 3 rebounds and one steal in five games for the Suns in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Nash: Shaq will fit right in with LeBron
One star who has played with Shaquille O'Neal thinks he'll fit in just fine with LeBron James. "I think he realizes that he's not in the prime of his career, so to speak," two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Nash's Phoenix Suns traded O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers last month, where the 37-year-old center will try to bring James his first championship. O'Neal is "still a great player, but LeBron is going to be the focal point," Nash said.

Suns' Nash signs two-year, $22 million extension
Steve Nash said Monday that it would be a pleasure to finish his career as a member of the Phoenix Suns. Nash thought about leaving the Suns after this season. After mulling other options, Nash realized there were no guarantees of winning an NBA championship elsewhere. So he agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract extension that will keep the two-time MVP point guard under contract with the Suns through the 2011-2012 season.

New deal lets Steve Nash eye end of career with Phoenix Suns
Steve Nash said Monday that it would be a pleasure to finish his career as a member of the Phoenix Suns.

Scoring F Barnes reaches 2-year deal with Magic
Well-traveled free-agent forward Matt Barnes has agreed to a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic. Barnes' agent, Aaron Goodwin, who also represents Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal in an e-mail Monday, but declined to disclose financial terms. The Magic said they had nothing to announce yet. The 6-foot-7 Barnes averaged a career-high 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 77 games last season for the Phoenix Suns.

Blake Griffin and Taylor Griffin face off for 1st time in NBA
Phoenix Suns forward Taylor Griffin walked to the free-throw line Sunday night during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers and was greeted with some spirited trash talk from a group of nearby Clippers fans.

Steve Nash accepts Phoenix Suns' $22M extension, sources say
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash notified the Phoenix Suns over the weekend that he is accepting the Suns' two-year extension offer worth an estimated $22 million, according to team sources.

Nash can still play, but Suns are done contending
Steve Nash will stay in Phoenix after agreeing to an extension, but Charley Rosen says the Suns' days as a contender are over.

Agent: Nash banks 2-year, $22M Suns extension
A person close to the negotiations says Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract extension. The person confirmed the agreement Monday, requesting anonymity because the official announcement hadn't been made. The deal will keep the two-time MVP point guard under contract with the Suns through the 2011-2012 season. The 35-year-old Nash had one year left on his contract that would pay him $13 million next season.

Report: Nash agrees to two-year, $22M extension
A person close to the negotiations says Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract extension. The person confirmed the agreement Monday, requesting anonymity because the official announcement hadn't been made. The deal will keep the two-time MVP point guard under contract with the Suns through the 2011-2012 season. The 35-year-old Nash had one year left on his contract that would pay him $13 million next season.

Phoenix Suns unveil Channing Frye, hometown hero, new forward
The Suns introduced new forward Channing Frye on Tuesday.

New Phoenix Suns deal depends on Amare Stoudemire's health
The Suns want to make sure Amare Stoudemire is healthy before offering him a contract extension.

Report: Ben Wallace bought out by Phoenix Suns for $10 million
Ben Wallace has been bought out of his contract, according to a published report.

Rockets' Turner interviews with Wolves (AP)
Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner has interviewed to become the next coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The interview took place Monday in Las Vegas and lasted a couple of hours, Turner told KRIV-TV in Houston. Turner has worked as an assistant in Sacramento and Portland and was a candidate for the Phoenix Suns coaching job last year.

Suns reach agreement with C Frye (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have reached a contract agreement with free-agent center Channing Frye. The team scheduled a news conference Tuesday to introduce the former University of Arizona star. Frye agreed to a two-year contract with the second year at his option. He will earn about $2 million next season. The 6-foot-11 Frye is entering his fifth NBA season.

NBA free agents: Sources: Phoenix Suns continuing to talk extension with Stave Nash
Friday's re-signing of Grant Hill and Steve Nash's subsequent congratulatory messages via Twitter are the latest signals that the Phoenix Suns will achieve their No. 1 priority this offseason by securing Nash's signature on a contract extension.

Suns' Stoudemire has surgery on eye
Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire has undergone outpatient surgery on his right eye. The Suns said Friday the procedure was part of the recovery process from a Feb. 20 operation to repair a partially detached retina. Team ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Schwartz said in a statement that a small amount of residual fluid was removed and called the surgery "routine." After a workout at U.S.

Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire has routine procedure on eye
Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire has undergone outpatient surgery on his right eye.

Phoenix Suns sign 14th overall pick Earl Clark to contract
First-round draft pick Earl Clark has signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns.

Suns ink first rounder Earl Clark to deal - Earl Clark (F) Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns signed first round draft pick Earl Clark to a four-year contract on Friday.

Suns sign 1st-round draft pick Clark (AP)
First-round draft pick Earl Clark has signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns. Terms of the deal were not disclosed Friday, but under the NBA rookie salary scale Clark could make about $1.47 million in his first year as the 14th overall pick. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward averaged a team-best 14.2 points and team-leading 8.7 rebounds as a junior last season at Louisville.

NBA free agents: Channing Frye agrees to sign with the Phoenix Suns
Free agent forward Channing Fyre agreed to terms with the Phoenix Suns today a source close to the process told ESPN.com.

7-time All-Star Hill to remain with Suns
Grant Hill is staying in Phoenix.

Grant Hill decides to remain with Phoenix Suns
Grant Hill will return to the Phoenix Suns for $3 million next season and a player option for a second year, his agent said Friday.

Sources: 7-time All-Star Hill to remain with Suns
Grant Hill is staying in Phoenix.

Suns add Japan's Kawamura to summer team (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have added guard Takuya Kawamura to their roster for the Las Vegas summer league. The 6-foot-4 Kawamura averaged 20.4 points for Link Tochigi Brex of the Japanese Basketball League last season. In April, he decided not to play for the Japanese national team and instead pursue a spot in the NBA.

Amare Stoudemire puzzled by Phoenix Suns' plans for future
Amare Stoudemire is puzzled by the Phoenix Suns' plans, and isn't sure he'd want to stay with the team unless they are figured out.

Shaq reveals new motto: 'Win a ring for the King'
Shaquille O'Neal has joined his Cleveland teammates - and says he can help them win a title. Acquired in a trade last week with the Phoenix Suns, O'Neal was introduced Thursday as a Cavalier before cheering young fans at the team's suburban practice facility. The Cavaliers are hoping that the 15-time All-Star can help league MVP LeBron James and Cleveland win its first NBA championship. How long will O'Neal will stay with the Cavaliers is still a question.

Shaq proclaims he'll help Cavs win title (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal has one purpose in Cleveland: bring an NBA title to LeBron James and the Cavaliers. "My motto is very simple," the 15-time All-Star center said Thursday. "Win a ring for the King." Acquired in a trade last week with the Phoenix Suns, O'Neal was introduced Thursday by the Cavaliers, who believe he can be their missing piece.

Celtics win fifth straight, rip Suns (AP)

The Boston Celtics are once again looking like the team that won 19 in a row before an uncharacteristic midseason slump had people asking what was wrong with the defending NBA champions. Rajon Rondo had 23 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter with the rest of the starters, and Boston opened a 30-point lead before coasting to a 104-87 victory over the Phoenix Suns on...

Stoudemire, Nash lead Suns by Raptors (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 31 points, Steve Nash had a season-high 18 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat Toronto 117-113 on Sunday afternoon, their ninth consecutive victory over the struggling Raptors. Jason Richardson added 17 points, Shaquille O'Neal and Matt Barnes each had 16 and Leandro Barbosa scored 14 for the Suns.

Jefferson helps Wolves top Suns 105-103 (AP)

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from an 11-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-103 Friday night. Randy Foye made a 20-foot jumper with 1:58 remaining to give Minnesota the lead for good. His basket came with just one second left on the shot clock.

Bobcats get Diop from Mavs for 2 players (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats and coach Larry Brown continued to tinker with their roster Friday, acquiring 7-foot defensive specialist DeSagana Diop from the Dallas Mavericks for guard Matt Carroll and center Ryan Hollins. The Bobcats' second trade in just over a month wasn't nearly as big as the deal that sent top scorer Jason Richardson to Phoenix.

Nuggets beat Suns 119-113 in OT (AP)
Chauncey Billups scored five of his game-high 26 points in overtime and the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 119-113 on Thursday night. Nene had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Kenyon Martin had 24 points, including a clinching 3-pointer with 29.6 seconds left in overtime. Martin also had eight rebounds and a career-high seven steals for Denver, which has won seven of eight.

Shaq's 26 and 10 help Suns beat Hawks (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns won their third straight Tuesday night with a 107-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, who lost their fourth in a row. In winning for the sixth time in seven games, the Suns (22-13) improved to nine games over .500 for the first time this season.

Suns deal Clippers 11th straight loss (AP)

Amare Stoudemire overcame early foul trouble to score 26 points, Jason Richardson and Grant Hill each had 21, and the Phoenix Suns sent the Los Angeles Clippers to their 11th straight loss with a 109-103 victory on Sunday. Steve Nash had 14 points and 12 assists for the Suns, who blew a 15-point lead before notching their third straight road win to move a season-best eight games over .500.

O'Neal leads Suns past Mavs 128-100 (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 25 points and 10 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns used a third-quarter scoring deluge to bury the Dallas Mavericks 128-100 on Friday night. Jason Richardson added 21 points and Leandro Barbosa had 20 in the Suns' highest-scoring game of the season. The Suns outscored the Mavs 40-19 in the third, a Phoenix season high in scoring for a quarter, to turn the game into a rout.

Pacers top Suns on Granger's 3 at buzzer (AP)

The Indiana Pacers are making a habit of beating the NBA's elite teams, and Danny Granger is making a habit of scoring big. Granger hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer and matched his career high with 37 points in Indiana's 113-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. With the score tied and 0.9 seconds left, Mike Dunleavy inbounded the ball to Granger and he connected, thwarting a furious...

Suns C O'Neal out vs. Pacers (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal missed the Phoenix Suns' game Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers because of a back injury. O'Neal, averaging 17.2 points and 9.0 rebounders, was replaced by rookie Robin Lopez in the Suns' starting lineup. Coach Terry Porter said Shaq was experiencing "a lot of discomfort." "He can't move around," Porter said.

Suns release Brown shortly after signing him
The Phoenix Suns have released Dee Brown less than two weeks after signing him to fill the team's need for a backup point guard.

Suns release PG Dee Brown (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have released Dee Brown less than two weeks after signing him to fill the team's need for a backup point guard. Brown appeared in two games for Phoenix and averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 assists. Brown was signed by the Suns on Dec. 24 after appearing in 17 games with the Washington Wizards to begin the season.

Suns G Richardson sorry for DUI arrest (AP)
Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson apologized Tuesday for creating a "distraction" after being accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. A citation filed in court says the ex-Michigan State star was stopped by a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community police officer in the early morning of Dec.

Suns' Richardson cited for DUI outside Phoenix
Suns guard Jason Richardson was cited for driving under the influence.

Suns G Richardson facing DUI charges (AP)
Suns guard Jason Richardson is facing charges of driving under the influence in an American Indian tribal community in metropolitan Phoenix. Richardson was stopped by a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community police officer in the early morning of Dec. 21, according to a citation filed in court. He was pulled over while driving a 2008 Mercedes.

Suns hand Clippers sixth straight loss (AP)
Winning doesn't always satisfy a coach and his players. That was the case with the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. After Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points and the Suns extended their winning streak to three and dealt the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers their sixth consecutive loss, 106-98, neither coach Terry Porter nor his players were happy.

Nash-less Suns get past Grizzlies 101-89 (AP)

Leandro Barbosa scored 28 points, Shaquille O'Neal added 24 to move into eighth place on the NBA scoring list and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 101-89 Tuesday night without ailing star Steve Nash. The two-time MVP sat out with back spasms, but Barbosa filled in admirably. He connected on 10 of 18 shots and scored 22 points in the second half.

Shaq helps Suns overcome loss of Nash (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 28 points and 12 rebounds, moving into ninth place on the NBA's career scoring list, and the Phoenix Suns overcame the loss of two-time MVP Steve Nash to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-102 on Monday night. Nash played only 9 minutes before leaving with back spasms and Amare Stoudemire was hounded by foul trouble, but the Suns still had plenty of firepower to overwhelm the...

Suns G Nash leaves with back spasms (AP)
Former MVP Steve Nash left the Phoenix Suns' game against Oklahoma City in the first quarter Monday night with back spasms and was not expected to return. Nash played just over nine minutes before being replaced by Leandro Barbosa. He had yet to take a shot but had recorded two assists. It's the second game this season Nash has left because of back spasms.

'Melo back in lineup for Nuggets (AP)
Carmelo Anthony returned to the Denver Nuggets' lineup on Sunday against the New York Knicks after missing three games with a bruised right elbow. The Nuggets decided to give their leading scorer a break after he averaged just 11.5 points on 8-of-27 shooting in losses to Cleveland and Phoenix on consecutive nights.

Magic C Howard to defend NBA dunk crown (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will try to defend his Slam Dunk championship at the NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix in February. In New Orleans last season, Howard edged defending champion Gerald Green for the title in one of the most creative competitions in recent history. Howard scored perfect 50s on both of his first-round dunks -- one of which included his donning a cape for a "Superman"...

Spurs beat Suns on Mason's 3 at buzzer (AP)

Roger Mason sank a 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer to give the San Antonio Spurs a 91-90 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. The Suns had taken the lead on Grant Hill's layup on an out-of-bounds play with 4.3 seconds to go. Tony Parker drove toward the basket for San Antonio and threw to Mason, who was wide open because defender Jason Richardson was late getting there.

Suns boost depth at guard by signing Brown
The Phoenix Suns signed Dee Brown on Wednesday, ending their search for another backup point guard.

Nash sparks Suns to victory over Nuggets (AP)

Steve Nash scored eight straight points in the final 3 minutes and the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets for the eighth straight time at home, 108-101 on Saturday night. Nash's first big basket gave the Suns a 101-98 lead. After Chauncey Billups tied it with a 3-pointer, Nash connected on two 3-pointers, giving Phoenix a 107-101 lead.

Roy scores 52, Blazers beat Suns 124-119 (AP)

Brandon Roy scored a career-high 52 points, including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:01 left, in the Portland Trail Blazers' 124-119 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Roy was 14-of-27 from the field and 19-of-21 at the line. He topped his career high of 38 set last Friday night in a double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Blazers retire Terry Porter's No. 30 (AP)
For a night, Terry Porter put aside the pressures of his first season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns and reveled in his past as a Portland Trail Blazer. With family, friends and former teammates looking on, the Blazers retired Porter's No. 30 jersey on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden. Fans gave him a standing ovation and one shouted above the rest, "Terry, you're awesome!" Porter played for the...

D'Antoni's Knicks lose in Phoenix (AP)
Mike D'Antoni got a warm welcome in his return to Phoenix, but frigid long-range shooting doomed his New York Knicks in a 111-103 loss to the Suns on Monday night. Steve Nash, whose career flourished in D'Antoni's four seasons as Phoenix coach, scored 21 points, including a game-clinching 3-pointer with 28 seconds to play.

D'Antoni cheered in return to Phoenix (AP)
The fans stood and cheered Monday night when Mike D'Antoni was introduced as coach of the New York Knicks. The cheering didn't stop until the lights were turned out in preparation for the introduction of the Suns team that is far different than the one he coached for four-plus seasons. "They're a good team," D'Antoni told a crowd of reporters outside the visitor's locker room before the game.

Suns' fans give Knicks' D'Antoni warm welcome
The Suns' fans gave Mike D'Antoni a standing ovation as he was introduced in Phoenix for the first time since taking the Knicks job.

Raptors sign veteran free-agent center Voskuhl
The Toronto Raptors added some depth Sunday, signing veteran center Jake Voskuhl. Voskuhl, 31, has averaged 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 412 regular-season NBA games with Chicago, Phoenix, Charlotte and Milwaukee. The 6-foot-11, 255-pound Voskuhl was chosen with the 33rd pick in the 2000 draft by the Chicago Bulls. The native of Katy, Texas, averaged 6.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 138 career games at Connecticut, where he helped the Huskies win the 1999 NCAA Championship.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/484959057" height="1" width="1"/

Raptors sign C Voskuhl to add depth (AP)
The Toronto Raptors added some depth Sunday, signing veteran center Jake Voskuhl. Voskuhl, 31, has averaged 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 412 regular-season NBA games with Chicago, Phoenix, Charlotte and Milwaukee. The 6-foot-11, 255-pound Voskuhl was chosen with the 33rd pick in the 2000 draft by the Chicago Bulls.

Trade will be beginning of good things for Phoenix
The Suns are 14-10 and ex-players are taking shots at the current coach. But Peter Vecsey sees good things in Phoenix's future.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/484742454" height="1" width="1"/

Howard-less Magic defeat Jazz 103-94 (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 27 points, and the Orlando Magic beat the Utah Jazz 103-94 on Saturday night despite playing without injured center Dwight Howard for the first time. Howard missed the first game of his career because of a left knee injury sustained in Friday's loss at Phoenix. He had played in all 351 games since being drafted No.

Hill's late layup lifts Suns over Magic (AP)

Grant Hill had two thoughts as he ran the baseline in the closing seconds: Would he receive the pass, and should he dunk the ball? Hill settled for a reverse layup with 2.7 seconds left to lift the Phoenix Suns to a 113-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. "Those days are long gone," Hill said of the dunking option.

Bobcats may not be done tweaking roster (AP)
It didn't take coach Larry Brown long to determine he didn't like the Charlotte Bobcats' roster. There were too many wing players, not enough big men and too few good defenders. Wednesday's trade that sent leading scorer Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley to Phoenix for Boris Diaw, Raja Bell and Sean Singletary helped the struggling Bobcats become bigger and better defensively.

Lakers struggle to top short-handed Suns (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 28 points, Kobe Bryant had seven of his 18 points in the last 6 1/2 minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to a 115-110 victory over the short-handed Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 11 rebounds, Sasha Vujacic scored a season-high 15 points and Derek Fisher had 13 for the Lakers (18-3), who were coming off a lethargic 113-101 loss at...

3 new Bobcats to debut Saturday (AP)
Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Sean Singletary are expected to make their Charlotte Bobcats debuts Saturday night in Detroit, coach Larry Brown said Thursday -- a day after the three players were acquired a trade with the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix sent Bell, Diaw and Singletary to Charlotte on Wednesday for Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley and a 2010 second-round draft pick.

O'Neal will miss one game after death in family
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal will miss tonight's game against the Los Angeles Lakers after the death of his 92-year-old great-grandmother.

Suns get Jason Richardson for Bell, Diaw (AP)
The Phoenix Suns jettisoned two familiar players to Charlotte, and got the Bobcats' leading scorer in exchange. In the latest move in the their ongoing makeover, the Suns traded Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to the Bobcats on Wednesday as part of a deal for Jason Richardson. Rookie point guard Sean Singletary also went to Charlotte, while the Suns got small forward Jared Dudley and a 2010 second-round...

Richardson dealt to Suns for Diaw, Bell
For the second straight season, the Phoenix Suns have made a significant midseason move.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/481136895" height="1" width="1"/

Shaq helps Suns extend mastery of Bucks (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal scored a season-high 35 points and the Phoenix Suns beat Milwaukee 125-110 on Tuesday night, extending their domination of the Bucks in Arizona. The Suns beat Milwaukee in Phoenix for the 21st straight time, matching the San Antonio Spurs' string of 21 straight home victories over Golden State for the longest active streak.

Amare's 22 and 20 helps Suns end slide (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 20 rebounds, Leandro Barbosa scored 25 points and the Phoenix Suns ended a four-game losing streak with a 106-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. In a game that was close throughout, the Suns finally took the lead for good, 100-99, on Boris Diaw's free throw with 1:55 to play.

Nowitzki's 39 help Mavs beat Suns 112-97 (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki matched his season high with 39 points and new starter J.J. Barea provided quite a spark in the fourth quarter, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 112-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Nowitzki had 37 points through three quarters and the Mavs seemed to be comfortably headed to victory when the Suns began to make things interesting.

Suns' Nash, O'Neal sit out vs. Hornets (AP)
Phoenix point guard Steve Nash missed the Suns' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night because of flu-like symptoms. Nash is averaging 15.1 points and 8.1 assists this season after scoring 20 points or more in each of his last three games. Also inactive for Phoenix was former LSU star Shaquille O'Neal, who has made a practice of sitting out a game in stretches when the Suns have...

Harris' 47 help Nets end skid in Phoenix (AP)
Devin Harris scored a career-high 47 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, and the New Jersey Nets ended their 14-game losing streak at Phoenix by rallying to beat the Suns 117-109 Sunday night. The Nets had not won at US Airways Center since their first visit in 1993, but they used a late run to overcome the Suns.

Wade's 43 help Heat beat Shaq, Nash sits (AP)

Dwyane Wade was on a mission -- and it was impossible for the Phoenix Suns to stop him. Wade scored a season-high 43 points, and the Miami Heat beat the Suns 107-92 Friday night in the first matchup between the teams since the Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion blockbuster trade last February. Neither O'Neal nor Marion was much of a factor in the game dominated by the unstoppable Wade.

Marion back in Phoenix, Shaq faces Heat (AP)
Shawn Marion was a fan favorite in Phoenix for many years, a stalwart of the run-and-gun Suns teams that were perennial playoff contenders. But his return to Phoenix will be overshadowed by a 7-foot-1 guy who, well, overshadows just about everything. When Marion and the Miami Heat visit the Suns on Friday night, it'll be the first time Shaquille O'Neal sees the Heat since the trade that brought...

Shaq's return gets Suns over Wolves (AP)

The Phoenix Suns found the answer for their peculiar struggles in Minnesota: Shaq. Shaquille O'Neal had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks to help the balanced Phoenix Suns to a 110-102 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, snapping their three-game losing streak in Minnesota. Steve Nash added 20 points and six assists in 27 minutes for the Suns, who were playing the second game of...

Suns rally from 16 down to beat Thunder (AP)

Matt Barnes hit a 3-pointer from the left wing with 25.7 seconds left to complete the Phoenix Suns' fourth-quarter rally and spoil Scott Brooks' home debut as the Oklahoma City Thunder's head coach with a 99-98 victory Tuesday night. The Thunder led throughout the second half and had been up by as much as 16 late in the third quarter before Steve Nash rallied the Suns with a 13-0 run.

Suns win 11th straight vs. Blazers (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 19 points and 17 rebounds to power the Phoenix Suns to a 102-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Amare Stoudemire added 17 points, Steve Nash had 16 on 6-for-7 shooting, and Grant Hill scored 15 for the Suns, who beat the Blazers for the second time in Phoenix this season.

Kobe, Lakers dominate Shaq, Suns
Those Shaq-Kobe matchups never get old, do they? But Thursday's game in Phoenix wasn't close as the Lakers won with ease.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/460432537" height="1" width="1"/

Lakers overwhelm Suns, improve to 9-1 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and Vladimir Radmanovic made all five of his 3-pointers to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Phoenix Suns, 105-92 on Thursday night. Bryant shot only 8-of-23, but the Lakers overwhelmed Phoenix with their depth. Six players reached double figures as Los Angeles improved its record to a league-best 9-1.

USA Basketball finds new home base in Arizona
USA Basketball is moving its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colo. to the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, adding to the city's growing roster of sports facilities.

USA Basketball moving to Arizona (AP)
USA Basketball is moving its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colo. to the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, adding to the city's growing roster of sports facilities. The Glendale City Council on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding for the project, which will include USA Basketball's executive offices, a multi-court training facility and a 150-room hotel.

Kirilenko stuffs Shaq as Jazz end skid (AP)

Carlos Boozer had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Andrei Kirilenko added 19 points and two big blocks in the fourth quarter, and the Utah Jazz snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Phoenix Suns 109-97 Monday night. C.J. Miles scored a season-high 21 points and Brevin Knight had six assists and 12 points, going 6-for-7 from the floor as the Jazz got the Suns in foul trouble and pulled away in...

KG suspended 1 game; Shaq fined $25K
Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett has been suspended for one game and Phoenix center Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $25,000 for separate incidents over the weekend. Garnett was penalized for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. Garnett will sit out Tuesday night when the Celtics host the New York Knicks. O'Neal was fined for verbally abusing an official and failing to leave the court quickly after being ejected Sunday night against Detroit.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/456550686" height="1" width="1"/

Garnett suspended 1 game, Shaq fined (AP)
Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett has been suspended for one game and Phoenix center Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $25,000 for separate incidents over the weekend. Garnett was penalized for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. Garnett will sit out Tuesday night when the Celtics host the New York Knicks.

Suns top Pistons despite Shaq's ejection (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal made an early exit from Amare Stoudemire's 26th birthday party. Stoudemire and the rest of the already short-handed Phoenix Suns did just fine without him Sunday night. Stoudemire had 29 points and 11 rebounds and the Suns overcame O'Neal's second-quarter ejection to beat the Detroit Pistons 104-86.

Shaq thrown out for flagrant foul
Shaquille O'Neal was ejected from Sunday night's game between the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons for a flagrant foul. The call came with 5:19 left in the second quarter when Rodney Stuckey went up for a layup and O'Neal sent the Pistons' player chest-first onto the court. The flagrant foul two, which is an automatic ejection, was upheld after a review by the officials. O'Neal stayed on the court to argue vehemently before finally leaving.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/455533689" height="1" width="1"/

Suns C O'Neal ejected vs. Pistons (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal was ejected from Sunday night's game between the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons for a flagrant foul. The call came with 5:19 left in the second quarter when Rodney Stuckey went up for a layup and O'Neal sent the Pistons' player chest-first onto the court. The flagrant foul two, which is an automatic ejection, was upheld after a review by the officials.

O'Neal helps Suns beat Kings 97-95 in OT (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal tied a season high with 29 points and had 13 rebounds and six assists Friday night to help the short-handed Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 97-95 in overtime Friday night. Amare Stoudemire was the star in overtime for the Suns. He had six points, including the winner, and blocked a shot at the buzzer to preserve the seal it.

Rockets-Suns suspensions: Alston, Barnes, Nash
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight.

Nash, Alston, Barnes suspended for fight
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O'Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000 on Friday for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday. Barnes knocked back Alston with his shoulder late in the third quarter, and Alston charged him.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/453304394" height="1" width="1"/

Barbosa leaves Suns after mother dies
Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa returned to Brazil after his mother died. He flew to his hometown of Sao Paulo late Thursday after learning of the death of his mother, Ivete Barbosa. Team officials are not sure when Barbosa will return. His mother had been ill, and he missed two weeks of training camp because she was hospitalized. The Suns play the Kings on Friday night in Sacramento.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/453304395" height="1" width="1"/

Nash, Barnes, Alston suspended for fight (AP)
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O'Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000 on Friday for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Barbosa leaves Suns after mother dies (AP)
Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa returned to Brazil after his mother died. He flew to his hometown of Sao Paulo late Thursday after learning of the death of his mother, Ivete Barbosa. Team officials are not sure when Barbosa will return. His mother had been ill, and he missed two weeks of training camp because she was hospitalized.

Rockets win game marked by skirmish (AP)

Tracy McGrady snapped out of a slump to score 22 of his 27 points in the second half Wednesday night, and the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 94-82 in a game that featured a scoring landmark for Shaquille O'Neal and a skirmish that drew two ejections and seven technical fouls. McGrady, 1-for-16 shooting in his previous two games, made 11 of 18 shots, going 9-of-14 in the second half as the...

Hinrich has thumb surgery to repair torn ligament
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and could be out for three months. Dr. John Fernandez and Dr. Mark Cohen of Rush University Medical Center performed the operation Tuesday. Hinrich was hurt last Friday night in Chicago's 100-83 victory over Phoenix when he tried to knock the ball away from the Suns' Amare Stoudemire. The Bulls' first-round pick in 2003 out of Kansas, Hinrich has appeared in six games and averaged 8.3 points this season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/450111634" height="1" width="1"/

Bulls G Hinrich has thumb surgery (AP)
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and could be out for three months. Dr. John Fernandez and Dr. Mark Cohen of Rush University Medical Center performed the operation Tuesday. Hinrich was hurt last Friday night in Chicago's 100-83 victory over Phoenix when he tried to knock the ball away from the Suns' Amare Stoudemire.

Barbosa helps Suns hold off Grizzlies (AP)

Leandro Barbosa scored 16 of his team-high 27 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 43.8 seconds left, and the Phoenix Suns withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 107-102 on Monday night. The Grizzlies had rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit and led 102-100 on Rudy Gay's dunk off an offensive rebound with 1:30 remaining.

Shaq returns to lead Suns past Bucks (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 29 points and 11 rebounds in his return from a one-game break, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 104-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. O'Neal was 12-of-16 from the field a night after skipping a game in Chicago as part of a strategy to occasionally rest him during the season.

Thumb injury sidelines Hinrich
Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and will miss up to three months. The injury occurred during Chicago's 100-83 victory over Phoenix on Friday. Hinrich, making his first start, was injured in the third quarter and left the game with five points, five assists and five steals. The Bulls initially called it a sprain, but an exam before Saturday night's game against Cleveland revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/446970043" height="1" width="1"/

Suns rest Shaq in 100-83 loss to Bulls (AP)

Reserve Ben Gordon scored 23 points, rookie Derrick Rose had 18 points, six assists and several dazzling plays, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Phoenix Suns 100-83 on Friday night. The Suns played without Shaquille O'Neal, who got the night off as part of a plan to rest him periodically throughout the season.

Shaq rests, gets second game of back-to-back off
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal got the night off against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, part of a plan to rest him periodically throughout the season.

Stoudemire scores 49 as Suns beat Pacers (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 49 points, falling a point short of his career high in the Phoenix Suns' 113-103 victory over Indiana on Wednesday night. Stoudemire was 17-for-21 from the field, made 15 free throws without a miss and had 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals. He just missed his career high of 50 points, set against Portland on Jan.

Bell 6-for-6 on 3s as Suns rout Nets (AP)
Raja Bell hit all six of his 3-pointers and scored 22 points, and the Phoenix Suns shot 63 percent from the field in beating the New Jersey Nets 114-86 on Tuesday night. Steve Nash added 12 points and 11 assists, Shaquille O'Neal had 18 points and six rebounds and Amare Stoudemire added 14 points as the Suns won for the third time in four games.

Suns' Tucker to miss about 4 weeks (AP)
Phoenix Suns swingman Alando Tucker had arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined about four weeks. Team physician Thomas Carter removed loose material from his left kneecap, the Suns said. Tucker, in his second season, has not been part of new coach Terry Porter's regular rotation.

Suns extend streak over Blazers to 10 (AP)
Amare Stoudemire took over the game just long enough to give the Phoenix Suns yet another victory over Portland. Stoudemire scored 16 of his 23 points in the decisive third quarter and Phoenix beat the Trail Blazers 107-96 Saturday night to give Terry Porter his first home victory as Suns coach. "I had my mind set I wanted to dominate," Stoudemire said.

Paul's near triple-double powers Hornets (AP)
Chris Paul had 20 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds and the New Orleans Hornets held off a rally, then pulled away to beat Phoenix 108-95 Thursday night and spoil the home debut of new Suns coach Terry Porter. The Hornets, who never trailed, improved to 2-0 on the heels of a season-opening victory at Golden State on Wednesday night.

Celtics exercise Rondo option for 2009-10
The Boston Celtics exercised the fourth-year option on 22-year-old guard Rajon Rondo on Friday. He averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 assists last season, when the Celtics' won their 17th NBA Championship. The former Kentucky Wildcat is entering his third season in the NBA. The 6-foot-1 guard was acquired by Boston in a draft-night trade from the Phoenix Suns.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/438326815" height="1" width="1"/

Porter wins Suns coaching debut (AP)
Amare Stoudemire patiently waited until the fourth quarter before taking over and giving Terry Porter a win in his coaching debut. Stoudemire scored 22 points -- 11 coming on 5-of-5 shooting in the fourth quarter -- and four other Phoenix players scored in double figures to help the Suns beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-98 in the regular-season opener for both teams Wednesday night.

Knicks' D'Antoni unsure what to expect (AP)
Mike D'Antoni went to work Tuesday in cold, rainy conditions -- an especially miserable day for someone who never bothered with an umbrella in recent years. If he doesn't miss life in Phoenix yet, well, he might very soon. D'Antoni opens his first season as coach of the New York Knicks on Wednesday against Miami not knowing what to expect from a team for the first time in four years.

Suns change style, hope defense improves (AP)

The delightful, if ultimately unsuccessful, breakneck style of the Phoenix Suns is history. That's probably just as well, because an aging Shaquille O'Neal enters his first full season at the center of Phoenix's game. New coach Terry Porter will take a few fast breaks, but his area of concern is at the other end of the court.

Suns' Stoudemire dislocates left pinky (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 17 points before dislocating his left pinky and the Phoenix Suns, with their regulars together for the first time, beat the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder 102-93 on Thursday night . With the victory, the Suns (5-3) completed their fifth straight non-losing exhibition season and 19th in the past 20 years.

'Melo victorious in Syracuse homecoming (AP)

As soon as he was introduced to an ovation that shook the teflon roof of the Carrier Dome, the night belonged to Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. Anthony, who as a freshman led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship, wowed his adoring fans with 14 first-half points and the Nuggets remained unbeaten in the preseason with a 94-91 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Suns G Nash sprains right ankle (AP)

Grant Hill made an 18-foot jump shot with 5.6 seconds left and the Phoenix Suns beat the Atlanta Hawks 102-100 in a preseason game Wednesday night. "I thought it was going to be 120 or something the way it was in the first half," Suns coach Terry Porter said of the game which Phoenix led 59-58 at halftime.

Nash leaves preseason game with sprained ankle
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash left Wednesday night's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks after spraining his right ankle. Nash was injured late in the first half and was not expected to return, according to the Suns. Nash limped and grimaced as he left the court. No details of the injury were immediately available. The Suns were without center Shaquille O'Neal, who was just resting, according to coach Terry Porter.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/422123997" height="1" width="1"/

Suns G Nash sprains right ankle (AP)
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash left Wednesday night's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks after spraining his right ankle. Nash was injured late in the first half and was not expected to return, according to the Suns. Nash limped and grimaced as he left the court. No details of the injury were immediately available.

Stein: Suns adjusting to new game plan
These aren't your run-and-gun Phoenix Suns anymore, but who are they, exactly? This season will be an identity search for the aging Suns, writes Marc Stein.

Nuggets win outdoor game over Suns (AP)
Whether it was the wind, the temperature or just a different environment to play in, the NBA's first outdoor game in more than three decades was an offensive struggle. The Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 77-72 on Saturday night in the exhibition game billed as "NBA Outdoors!" at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Nuggets win without injured Anthony (AP)

The Denver Nuggets' preseason opener was a breeze. Next, they'll face a gust. The Nuggets dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-95 on Friday night, as reserve J.R. Smith finished with 21 points and Chris Andersen grabbed 11 boards. Now, they're off to Indian Wells, Calif., to play the Phoenix Suns on Saturday in the NBA's first outdoor basketball game in more than 35 years.

Suns, Nuggets get ready for outdoor game (AP)
Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter said all his team and the Denver Nuggets have to do to prepare for the first outdoor game in modern NBA history is to revert to when they first picked up a basketball. "You just go back to your childhood days of playing outside, taking in the wind consideration for the jump shots in the corner," the first-year coach joked as his team began a shootaround Friday on a...

Barnes' 21 points lead Suns past Jazz (AP)

Matt Barnes scored 21 points and Alando Tucker added 19 as the Phoenix Suns beat the Utah Jazz 96-89 on Thursday night. The Suns, who didn't make a 3-pointer in their opening loss to Atlanta on Wednesday, went 9-of-21 from beyond the arc against Utah (1-1) and didn't trail after the opening minutes of the first quarter.

Hawks spoil Porter's debut with Suns (AP)

Marvin Williams scored 19 points, Josh Smith had 18 and the Atlanta Hawks spoiled Terry Porter's debut as Phoenix coach, rallying to beat the Suns 100-96 Wednesday night. It was the second victory in two exhibition games for the Hawks, who also defeated Orlando on Monday. Williams and Smith got lots of offensive support.

Eye injury sidelines Suns' Stoudemire
Center-forward Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns may miss two weeks or more of practice because of a torn iris in his right eye, The Arizona Republic reported Friday.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/411063940" height="1" width="1"/

D'Antoni has Knicks off and running (AP)
Mike D'Antoni stood near the sideline Tuesday with arms folded, smiling as he watched players speed by during full-court drills. At that moment, he might've been the only one in the gym enjoying himself. D'Antoni's New York Knicks are going to play fast, just like his Phoenix teams did for the past 4 1/2 seasons.

Suns sign young European PG to multiyear deal
The Phoenix Suns have signed Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic to a multiyear contract and say he will play for the team this season. The Suns acquired rights to the quick, sharp-shooting 22-year-old left-hander in a draft-day trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The contract is for three years with a team option for a fourth. The Suns see the 6-foot-3, 190-pound European as a backup and eventual replacement for 34-year-old Steve Nash.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/400905322" height="1" width="1"/

Suns sign Dragic to multiyear deal
The Phoenix Suns have signed Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic to a multiyear contract and the team says he will play for the team this season. The Suns acquired the rights to the 22-year-old left-hander in a draft-day trade with the San Antonio Spurs.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/400326153" height="1" width="1"/

Suns sign Slovenian PG Dragic (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have signed Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic to a multiyear contract and the team says he will play for the team this season. The Suns acquired the rights to the 22-year-old left-hander in a draft-day trade with the San Antonio Spurs.

Magic F Garrity retires after 10 seasons (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity is retiring from the NBA. Garrity played 10 pro seasons -- nine with the Magic -- after spending his rookie year with the Phoenix Suns. He appeared in 513 games for Orlando, second most in franchise history. The 32-year-old player from Notre Dame was a free agent after last season.

735 days: Shaq puts definite date on retirement
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal will retire at the end of his contract.

Phoenix prosecutor wants Donaghy's federal files
A Phoenix prosecutor is seeking the federal files in the investigation of disgraced ex-NBA official Tim Donaghy, who was sentenced in July to 15 months in prison in a gambling scandal.

Phoenix prosecutor seeks Donaghy files (AP)
A Phoenix prosecutor is seeking the federal files in the investigation of disgraced ex-NBA official Tim Donaghy, who was sentenced in July to 15 months in prison in a gambling scandal. In sentencing Donaghy, the judge said he'd let the sport down by taking thousands of dollars from a professional gambler in exchange for inside tips on games -- including ones he refereed.

Suns ship Strawberry to Rockets for Singletary
The Phoenix Suns traded guard D.J. Strawberry to the Houston Rockets on Monday for rookie guard Sean Singletary.

Suns trade G Strawberry to Rockets (AP)
The Phoenix Suns traded guard D.J. Strawberry to the Houston Rockets on Monday for rookie guard Sean Singletary. "Sean gives us depth at the point guard spot," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. "We like his instincts and his ability to run a team. He also puts a lot of pressure on the ball." Singletary was the 42nd overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Sacramento Kings, who quickly sent him along...

Shaq's wife says couple has reconciled
The wife of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal says the couple's marriage is on the mend. Shaunie O'Neal says she and her husband plan to put a stop their divorce proceedings before leaving Florida next week. She said Thursday that "it will be officially off in a few days." Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last September, after nearly five years of marriage. The couple has six children.

Shaq's wife says couple has reconciled (AP)
The wife of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal said Thursday that her marriage to the NBA star is on the mend. During an interview about the launch of her new video-sharing Web site, Shaunie O'Neal told The Associated Press that the couple plans to stop divorce proceedings soon. "Neither one of us could probably answer why we were getting one in the first place," Shaunie O'Neal said.

Skinner signs with revamped Clippers
Free-agent forward Brian Skinner, a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers 10 years ago, signed with the team on Thursday. The Clippers reached a deal with the 6-foot-9, 255-pounder, who averaged 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 66 games for the Phoenix Suns last season. Terms were not announced. "Brian Skinner is a veteran NBA player who will give us both size and depth in the middle," Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor said in a statement.

Ex-1st rounder Skinner rejoins Clippers (AP)
Free-agent forward Brian Skinner, a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers 10 years ago, signed with the team on Thursday. The Clippers reached a deal with the 6-foot-9, 255-pounder, who averaged 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 66 games for the Phoenix Suns last season. Terms were not announced. "Brian Skinner is a veteran NBA player who will give us both size and depth in the middle," Clippers...

Matt Barnes agree to one-year deal with Sun
Well-traveled sharpshooter Matt Barnes signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The 6-foot-7 forward spent the last two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. His best season came in 2006-07, when he averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, then had 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 11 playoff games. Barnes, 28, joins his sixth team since leaving UCLA.

Suns sign F Barnes to 1-year deal (AP)
Well-traveled sharpshooter Matt Barnes signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The 6-foot-7 forward spent the last two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. His best season came in 2006-07, when he averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, then had 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 11 playoff games.

Reports: Suns to sign free-agent forward Barnes
The Phoenix Suns will reportedly sign former Warrior Matt Barnes on Monday.

D'Antoni watches Knicks top Suns
It didn't take long for Mike D'Antoni to lose his loyalty to the Phoenix Suns. All it took was an NBA Summer League victory Friday by the coach's New York Knicks over the Suns to do the trick. "It's already canceled out," D'Antoni said after the Knicks' 85-80 win on Friday. "I've moved on." D'Antoni, who went 253-136 in five seasons with the Suns, hasn't coached his new club yet - leaving summer league duties to assistant coach Phil Weber.

Knicks' victory over Suns helps D'Antoni 'move on'
It didn't take long for Mike D'Antoni to lose his loyalty to the Phoenix Suns.

Heat sign F James Jones to 5-year deal (AP)
James Jones has signed a five-year contract with the Miami Heat, giving the swingman an opportunity to play for his hometown team starting next season. Jones, a South Florida native who played at the University of Miami, made 291 shots from 3-point range over the past three seasons while playing for Phoenix and Portland.

Stanford's Lopez twins go separate ways (AP)
After years of honing their basketball skills together, Brook and Robin Lopez are going their separate ways in the NBA. The twin 7-footers who starred at Stanford the last two seasons were both first-round draft picks Thursday night, with Brook going 10th overall to New Jersey and Robin 15th to Phoenix.

Shaq loses another badge for rap about Kobe
Shaquille O'Neal's raunchy rap in which he mocked former teammate Kobe Bryant is costing him another of his lawman badges. Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown said Wednesday that he has asked the Phoenix Suns center to return a badge he was given for his work with the southwest Virginia county's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Shaq to lose another police badge (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal's raunchy rap in which he mocked former teammate Kobe Bryant is costing him another of his lawman badges. Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown said Wednesday that he has asked the Phoenix Suns center to return a badge he was given for his work with the southwest Virginia county's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Shaq gets slapped by sheriff for Kobe rap
Shaquille O'Neal will lose his special deputy's badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in a rap video that mocks former teammate Kobe Bryant. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the Phoenix Suns center's use of a racially derogatory word and other foul language left him no choice. Arpaio made Shaq a special deputy in January and promoted him to colonel of his largely ceremonial posse earlier this month.

Shaq takes swipe at Kobe in rap (AP)
Just in case anybody had forgotten that Kobe Bryant has never won an NBA title without Shaquille O'Neal, the big man sent out a reminder. The Phoenix Suns center can be seen rapping that "Kobe couldn't do without me" in a video posted online at celebrity news and gossip site TMZ.com During the two-minute video, a grinning O'Neal lurches through an improvised rap in which he skewers the Lakers'...

Suns complete coaching staff for Porter
The Phoenix Suns hired Alvin Gentry, Bill Cartwright, Dan Majerle and Igor Kokoskov as assistant coaches to Terry Porter. Gentry, a 29-year coaching veteran, is the lone holdover from Mike D'Antoni's staff. Gentry will return for his fifth season with the Suns. Majerle, a former Suns player who is in the team's Ring of Honor, hasn't coached before. He had been a Suns broadcast analyst for the past four seasons.

Suns add 3 to complete coaching staff for Porter
The Phoenix Suns hired Alvin Gentry, Bill Cartwright, Dan Majerle and Igor Kokoskov as assistant coaches to Terry Porter.

Majerle among Porter's staff with Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns hired Alvin Gentry, Bill Cartwright, Dan Majerle and Igor Kokoskov as assistant coaches to Terry Porter. Gentry, a 29-year coaching veteran, is the lone holdover from Mike D'Antoni's staff. Gentry will return for his fifth season with the Suns. Majerle, a former Suns player who is in the team's Ring of Honor, hasn't coached before.

Bulls introduce Del Negro as new coach
Vinny Del Negro realizes he won't win over fans until he wins a few games, so the Chicago Bulls' new coach understands the skepticism given his track record. After all, there is none. The Bulls introduced Del Negro at a news conference Wednesday, ending a seven-week search in which they tried to lure Mike D'Antoni from the Phoenix Suns and discussed a return engagement with Doug Collins. Instead, they wound up with someone who has never coached and a long line of skeptics in Chicago.

Suns introduce new coach Porter
The Phoenix Suns have introduced Terry Porter as their new coach. The 45-year-old Porter comes to the Suns from the Detroit Pistons, where he served as an assistant coach. His hiring ends a monthlong search for a successor to Mike D'Antoni, who left last month to coach the New York Knicks. Suns general manager Steve Kerr, who was a teammate of Porter on the San Antonio Spurs, said the former point guard is a strong leader and communicator.

Sunny days ahead for Porter
Terry Porter talks with FSN about his new job as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Porter served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons last season.

Suns introduce new coach Terry Porter
The Phoenix Suns have introduced Terry Porter as their new coach. The 45-year-old Porter comes to the Suns from the Detroit Pistons, where he served as an assistant coach. His hiring ends a monthlong search for a successor to Mike D'Antoni, who left last month to coach the New York Knicks. Suns general manager Steve Kerr, who was a teammate of Porter on the San Antonio Spurs, said the former point guard is a strong leader and communicator.

Sunny day for Porter: Phoenix rolls out new coach
The Phoenix Suns have introduced Terry Porter as their new coach.

Suns tab Porter to be next coach
Terry Porter will be the Phoenix Suns' next coach, ending the club's monthlong search for a successor to Mike D'Antoni. Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr said Saturday he had agreed to terms with Porter, who was an assistant with the Detroit Pistons. The 45-year-old Porter played in the NBA for 17 seasons and teamed with Kerr in San Antonio. "He's got a great combination of leadership skills," Kerr said in a telephone interview. "He's a great communicator.

Sources: Suns to name Porter next head coach
Multiple sources told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that Terry Porter is the new coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Sources: With Collins out, Bulls look at Del Negro
NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com on Friday that Phoenix Suns assistant general manager Vinny Del Negro is getting serious consideration for the job that was widely presumed to be going to Collins for the second time.

Budenholzer, Porter, Turner, Corbin pegged by Suns
The search for a replacement for Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni apparently is down to four candidates. While Suns general manager Steve Kerr didn't call them finalists, he praised the four individually and said all remained under consideration. The last of the group, San Antonio Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, was interviewed Tuesday, one day after Detroit Pistons assistant Terry Porter had his second interview for the job.

Suns to interview Pistons assistant Porter again
Terry Porter is expected to be interviewed for a second time by the Phoenix Suns later this week. Porter joined Detroit Pistons coaches and players at their practice facility on Saturday, the day after the Boston Celtics eliminated them in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Suns have been searching for a head coach since Mike D'Antoni resigned to lead the New York Knicks.

Suns to give second interview to Pistons' Porter
Terry Porter is expected to be interviewed for a second time by the Phoenix Suns later this week.

Porter, Suns expected to meet again (AP)
Terry Porter is expected to be interviewed for a second time by the Phoenix Suns later this week. Porter joined Detroit Pistons coaches and players at their practice facility on Saturday, the day after the Boston Celtics eliminated them in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Suns have been searching for a head coach since Mike D'Antoni resigned to lead the New York Knicks.

Richardson glad to be back with D'Antoni (AP)
Quentin Richardson hears the question all the time: How long will it take Mike D'Antoni to change the fortunes of the New York Knicks? Richardson has history on the side of his answer. He was with Phoenix for D'Antoni's first season there, the 2004-05 campaign in which the Suns went from an 29-win team to a 62-win club that reached the Western Conference finals -- one of the biggest turnarounds in...

Suns to interview Rockets' assistant Turner
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates. Porter, a Detroit Pistons' assistant and former head coach at Milwaukee, was interviewed by Suns general manager Steve Kerr on Tuesday.

Suns to interview Rockets asst. Turner (AP)
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.

Fantasy Extra: In the Knick of time
Mike D'Antoni going from Phoenix to New York will have Fantasy implications in both The Big Apple and the desert. Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the changes both teams will face in his latest Fantasy Extra.div class="feedflare" a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=WmUE7Up9"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=41" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=kI0vFzAn"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=kI0vFzAn" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=b32iNQdo"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=b32iNQdo" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=NhhHLnPx"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=52" border="0"/img/a /divimg src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news/~4/iGgXvmC2syg" height="1" width="1"/

Pistons assistant Porter interviews for Suns' job
The Phoenix Suns have begun their coaching search in earnest by interviewing Detroit Pistons assistant coach Terry Porter.





Kerr: No 'huge rush' to hire new Suns coach
There is "no big rush" to hire a new coach for the Phoenix Suns, the team's general manager said Monday. Steve Kerr said he plans a thorough search that includes people with teams still in the NBA playoffs. "We're going to make sure we cover our bases," he said. "There's not a huge rush because we're not one of five or six teams out there looking for someone, so we don't feel like we're competing with other people.

Kerr: Suns in 'no rush' to replace coach D'Antoni
There is "no big rush" to hire a new coach for the Phoenix Suns, the team's general manager said Monday.

Suns in "no big rush" to hire new coach (AP)
There is "no big rush" to hire a new coach for the Phoenix Suns, the team's general manager said Monday. Steve Kerr said he plans a thorough search that includes people with teams still in the NBA playoffs. "We're going to make sure we cover our bases," he said. "There's not a huge rush because we're not one of five or six teams out there looking for someone, so we don't feel like we're competing...

Reports: Knicks, Bulls continue tug of war for D'Antoni
Chicago Bulls club chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will meet with the Phoenix Suns' Mike D'Antoni this weekend in Phoenix even as general manager John Paxson ponders other coaching candidates, The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.

D'Antoni accepts offer to coach Knicks
Mike D'Antoni has agreed to coach the New York Knicks, bringing his entertaining offensive style from the Phoenix Suns to a team coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

Source: D'Antoni to become Knicks coach (AP)

Mike D'Antoni is set to become coach of the New York Knicks, bringing his entertaining offensive style from the Phoenix Suns to a team coming off one of the worst seasons in its history. A person within the NBA told The Associated Press on Saturday that the Suns coach has accepted an offer from the Knicks.

Nash expects D'Antoni back with Suns
Despite rampant speculation that Mike D'Antoni is headed to Chicago or New York, Phoenix point guard Steve Nash expects his coach to be back on the Suns' bench next season. Beyond that, the two-time NBA MVP had little to say about the Suns' ongoing coaching saga during a charity appearance Friday. "This is the last thing I'm going to say about our coaching situation: Mike's my coach," Nash said. "So I expect to see Mike back here next year.

Nash expects D'Antoni to stay with Suns (AP)
Despite rampant speculation that Mike D'Antoni is headed to Chicago or New York, Phoenix point guard Steve Nash expects his coach to be back on the Suns' bench next season. Beyond that, the two-time NBA MVP had little to say about the Suns' ongoing coaching saga during a charity appearance Friday. "This is the last thing I'm going to say about our coaching situation: Mike's my coach," Nash said.

Reports: Bulls, Knicks to make pitch for D'Antoni
Mike D'Antoni may be close to leaving Phoenix.

D'Antoni's going to have plenty of options
Even if Mike D'Antoni has worn out his welcome in Phoenix, Peter Vecsey says he's going to have plenty of suitors for his services.

Spurs down 0-2 for first time since 2001 (AP)

Consecutive third-quarter breakdowns. Tough nights for their top players. And now, an 0-2 deficit to a young and athletic team. It's all happening to the San Antonio Spurs, the defending NBA champions. The Spurs, who came into this series looking like their usual dominant selves after dispatching the Phoenix Suns in just five games, are struggling against the Hornets and searching for answers before...

Hornets try to contain Duncan again (AP)
Tim Duncan was annoyed, muttering after losing a ball out of bounds, and later staring at the floor with his hands on his hips after missing a foul shot. After averaging nearly 25 points and 14 rebounds in five playoff games against the Phoenix Suns, Duncan did little right for the Spurs in Game 1 at New Orleans on Saturday night.

West leads Hornets over Spurs 101-82 (AP)
Tim Duncan was annoyed, muttering after losing a ball out of bounds, and later staring at the floor with his hands on his hips after missing a foul shot. After averaging nearly 25 points and 14 rebounds in five playoff games against the Phoenix Suns, Duncan did little right for the Spurs in Game 1 at New Orleans on Saturday night.

Report: D'Antoni's future to be resolved next week
Mike D'Antoni's future as coach of the Phoenix Suns apparently won't be resolved until next week.

Spurs knock out Suns behind Parker's 31 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 31 points, Tim Duncan added 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with a 92-87 Game 5 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. The third-seeded Spurs will meet the No. 2 seed Hornets in a second-round series that begins Saturday at New Orleans.

Suns would be wise to keep D'Antoni in Phoenix
Shaq didn't help. The Suns lost early ... again. And Mike D'Antoni's future is now in doubt. Randy Hill looks at coaches on the hot seat.

Suns would be wise to keep D'Antoni in Phoenix
Avery Johnson is out in Dallas. Mike D'Antoni may be close behind in Phoenix. Randy Hill jumps on the NBA coaching carousel.

Suns GM refutes report D'Antoni won't be back
Phoenix Suns General Manager Steve Kerr denied a report Wednesday that Mike D'Antoni will not return as coach next season.

Suns GM Kerr says he wants D'Antoni back (AP)
The Phoenix Suns' window of opportunity to win an NBA title under coach Mike D'Antoni may have slammed shut with their first-round playoff loss to San Antonio. General manager Steve Kerr acknowledged differences with the coach but insisted on Wednesday he wants D'Antoni back for a fifth season with the Suns.

Will Suns' ouster signal complete overhaul?
The Spurs snuffed out the Suns again. Will the loss mean wholesale changes in Phoenix? Charley Rosen has the answer.

Hawks stun Celtics 97-92 to even series (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 35 points -- including 20 in the fourth quarter -- and the surprising Atlanta Hawks overcame two double-digit deficits to beat the Boston Celtics 97-92 on Monday night, evening the series at two games apiece. Johnson broke his previous career playoff high of 26 points when he played at Phoenix, and Josh Smith added 28 points and seven blocks.

Spurs, Suns looking at must-win Game 5 (AP)
For the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday's night Game 5 against San Antonio is a must-win. The Spurs, who get their second straight chance to finish off the Suns, are treating it that way, too. Even though the defending champions have a 3-1 series lead, they want to wrap it quickly and avoid a return trip to Phoenix.

Diaw stops Parker, sparks Suns in big win
Sure, Shaq helped the Suns down the Spurs and avoid elimination. But it was a super-sub who really lifted Phoenix, Randy Hill says.

Suns beat Spurs 105-86 to avoid sweep (AP)

A Frenchman put Phoenix on the brink of elimination, another brought the Suns back to life. Boris Diaw fell two assists shy of a triple-double Sunday and the Suns avoided a first-round sweep at the hands of San Antonio with a 105-86 rout of the Spurs. Diaw, starting in place of injured Grant Hill, had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in one of the best playoff performances of his career.

Suns' Grant Hill not playing in Game 4
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns will sit out Game 4 against San Antonio because of a nagging groin injury. Boris Diaw will take Hill's place in the starting lineup. Hill aggravated the injury late in the regular season and scored only 11 points in 68 minutes in the three games.

Groin sidelines Suns' Hill against Spurs in Game 4
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns will sit out Game 4 against San Antonio because of a nagging groin injury.

Suns F Hill to sit out Game 4 vs. Spurs (AP)
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns will sit out Game 4 against San Antonio because of a nagging groin injury. Boris Diaw will take Hill's place in the starting lineup. Hill aggravated the injury late in the regular season and scored only 11 points in 68 minutes in the three games.

Parker scores 41 as Spurs take 3-0 lead (AP)

The San Antonio-Phoenix series was supposed to be a spectacular first-round matchup of potential NBA champions. Instead, it's become a Spurs smackdown. Tony Parker had a career-high 41 points along with 12 assists and San Antonio routed the Suns 115-99 on Friday night to take a 3-0 series lead. The defending NBA champion Spurs never trailed in winning their ninth consecutive playoff game and 13th of...

Parker, Spurs dominate Suns in Game 3
Tony Parker had 41 points and 12 assists Friday as the Spurs spanked the Suns in Phoenix and took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series.

Spurs go for unexpected sweep of Suns (AP)
The San Antonio Spurs are reminding everyone again just how good they are. These are the defending NBA champions, a team that's won the title three times in the last five years. Now they can complete an unexpected first-round playoff sweep of the reeling Phoenix Suns with a victory here on Sunday. "We didn't expect to be up 3-0, obviously," the Spurs' Tim Duncan said.

Phoenix fans don't have sunny disposition
With a rout in Phoenix, Tony Parker and the Spurs seized a 3-0 lead on the Suns. Planet Orange is getting crushed, Randy Hill says.

Adande: Suns still looking for an identity
No longer the fun-and-gun Suns, Phoenix is now staring at an early exit, writes J.A. Adande.

LIVE: Follow Game 3 of Suns-Spurs series
The Sixers won big in Philly. So did the Mavs in Dallas. What's happening in Phoenix? Follow Game 3 of Suns-Spurs LIVE right here.

Suns' Hill wins Dumars trophy for sportsmanship
Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns has won the Joe Dumars trophy for outstanding sportsmanship in the NBA, becoming the first player to earn the award twice.

D'Antoni: Suns still confident vs. Spurs (AP)
Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni had some advice for despondent Suns fans ready to jump off buildings. "Go ahead and jump," he said. "We've got six million people here. We're fine. It's a little overcrowded anyway." Obviously he was joking, but D'Antoni is seriously confident despite his team being down 0-2 in the first-round series to their longtime nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs.

Phoenix looks to rally against San Antonio
With Phoenix trailing San Antonio two games to none, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni is trying to figure out what needs to change in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series. "I can't tell you that," D'Antoni said. "How about we just play better?" The Suns played well enough to build double-digit leads in each of the first two games but couldn't close the deal either time. In Game 1, San Antonio needed two late 3-pointers as it rallied for a 117-115 double-overtime victory.

Down 0-2, Suns look to rally vs. Spurs (AP)

With Phoenix trailing San Antonio two games to none, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni is trying to figure out what needs to change in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series. "I can't tell you that," D'Antoni said. "How about we just play better?" The Suns played well enough to build double-digit leads in each of the first two games but couldn't close the deal either time.

Spurs rally past Suns
Michael Finley talks to FSN after San Antonio's 102-96 playoff win over Phoenix. Finley helped key a third-quarter rally that gave the Spurs a 2-0 lead in the first-round series.

Parker's 32 lift Spurs by Suns 102-96 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 102-96 victory over Phoenix in Game 2 on Tuesday night after the Suns gave away another double-digit, first-half lead. This time, the Spurs didn't need two overtimes and a few amazing shots to put away the Suns. The Spurs were down by as many as 14 in the first half before outscoring Phoenix 27-11 in the third quarter.

Spurs' Ginobili wins sixth man award
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has won the NBA's sixth man award given to the league's best reserve. Ginobili led the Spurs in scoring, averaging a career-high 19.5 points with 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Ginobili came off the bench in 51 of the 74 games he played this season. The Spurs have a 1-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series. Suns guard Leandro Barbosa won the award last year. Ginobli got 123 of 124 first-place votes.

Spurs' Ginobili wins NBA sixth man award (AP)
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has won the NBA's sixth man award given to the league's best reserve. Ginobili led the Spurs in scoring, averaging a career-high 19.5 points with 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Ginobili came off the bench in 51 of the 74 games he played this season. The Spurs have a 1-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

Suns regroup after 2OT loss to Spurs (AP)
For the Phoenix Suns, Sunday was for mourning. So said coach Mike D'Antoni the day after his team was on the losing end of a 117-115 double-overtime thriller against the San Antonio Spurs that saw the defending champions hit two clutch 3s and later the game-winning layup with less than 2 seconds left.

Duncan's 3 helps Spurs beat Suns in 2OT (AP)

Tim Duncan saved the San Antonio Spurs with his first 3-pointer of the season at the end of overtime, and Manu Ginobili hit a layup at the end of the second extra period to send the defending champions past the Phoenix Suns, 117-115 on Saturday in Game 1 of their first-round series. The third-seeded Spurs celebrated almost as jubilantly as if they'd won the finals yet again after beating the...

Rivalry renewed: Spurs open against Suns (AP)
It's a matchup that seemed destined for later in the playoffs. But in the hyper-competitive Western Conference, the third-seeded San Antonio Spurs and sixth-seeded Phoenix Suns will renew their rivalry in a first-round matchup. Last year, many thought their heated second-round series was the real finals.

Suns ready to take on Spurs in first round
The Phoenix Suns studied film of the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. They probably didn't need to. The Suns are almost too familiar with the Spurs, who have eliminated them in three of their last four postseason appearances. The sixth-seeded Suns and third-seeded Spurs will renew their rivalry in Game 1 in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon. Game 2 is set for Tuesday, and the best-of-seven series shifts to the desert on April 25.

Suns ready to play Spurs in 1st round (AP)
The Phoenix Suns studied film of the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. They probably didn't need to. The Suns are almost too familiar with the Spurs, who have eliminated them in three of their last four postseason appearances. The sixth-seeded Suns and third-seeded Spurs will renew their rivalry in Game 1 in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon.

Spurs wrap up No. 3 seed, will play Suns (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs in dominant fashion, routing the Utah Jazz 109-80 on Wednesday night. The Spurs will face the sixth-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round. The Jazz will take on the Houston Rockets. The Spurs' win, coupled with Houston's victory earlier Wednesday evening, firmed up seeds 3-6 in the West, which were still up in the air...

Stoudemire, Suns eliminate Warriors (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Phoenix recovered after blowing a 17-point lead to beat Golden State 122-116 Monday night, eliminating the Warriors from playoff contention. The Warriors' loss clinched the final playoff spot in the West for Denver. Steve Nash nearly had a triple-double with 13 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds as the Suns remained in the...

McGrady, Scola lead Rockets past Suns (AP)

The Houston Rockets keep playing short-handed and finding ways to win. Tracy McGrady had 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Luis Scola added 19 points as the Rockets cruised to a 101-90 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. McGrady sat out Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder and the Rockets won 103-80.

A Dream forever: Olajuwon monument revealed
The Houston Rockets unveiled a bronze monument honoring Hakeem Olajuwon before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

Rockets unveil statue honoring Olajuwon (AP)
The Houston Rockets unveiled a bronze monument honoring Hakeem Olajuwon before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Olajuwon, 45, nicknamed "The Dream," retired after the 2001-02 season as the NBA's all-time shot blocker (3,830). The 12-time All-Star was the league MVP in 1994 and led the Rockets to their only two championships, in '94 and '95.

Shaq starting to fit in nicely in Phoenix
As the Suns showed in pounding the Spurs, they've managed to integrate Shaq into their system. Charley Rosen stands corrected.

McGrady says he'll play against Suns
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady will play against Phoenix on Friday night after missing Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder. But team officials said Rockets forward Shane Battier was questionable for the game with a bruised left foot and ankle. Battier played 18 minutes on Wednesday, then sat out most of the second half as the Rockets pulled away for a 103-80 victory. Houston is 53-25, one-half game ahead of Phoenix in the tight Western Conference standings.

McGrady says he'll play Friday with sore shoulder
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady will play against Phoenix on Friday night after missing Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder.

Suns dominate 4th quarter, beat Spurs (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and five other Phoenix players scored in double digits in the Suns' 96-79 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. The Suns won their second game in a row on the second night of a back-to-back and remained in sixth place in the Western Conference. Shaquille O'Neal had eight of his 16 points in the decisive fourth quarter and grabbed nine rebounds for...

Stoudemire helps Suns win without O'Neal (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 127-113 on Tuesday night despite playing without an injured Shaquille O'Neal. Stoudemire shot 10-of-13 from the field as the Suns won their eighth straight over the Grizzlies and moved a half-game behind the idle Houston Rockets for the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Shaq sits out game against Grizzlies due to hip
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal sat out Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a right hip contusion. Teams officials said that O'Neal took a knee to the hip in the Suns' 105-98 loss against Dallas on Sunday. O'Neal, the 16-year veteran who was obtained earlier this season from the Miami Heat, averages 13.5 points and nine rebounds.

Shaq sits out against Grizzlies (AP)
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal sat out Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a right hip contusion. Teams officials said that O'Neal took a knee to the hip in the Suns' 105-98 loss against Dallas on Sunday. O'Neal, the 16-year veteran who was obtained earlier this season from the Miami Heat, averages 13.5 points and nine rebounds.

Mavs rally from 13 down in 4th, top Suns (AP)

A hobbled Dirk Nowitzki brought the offense. Jason Kidd triggered the defense. The result was a fourth-quarter rally that may have saved the season for the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki scored 32 points and the Mavericks rallied from a 13 points down early in the fourth to stun the Phoenix Suns 105-98 on Sunday.

Mavs rally from 13 down in 4th, top Suns (AP)

A hobbled Dirk Nowitzki brought the offense. Jason Kidd triggered the defense. The result was a fourth-quarter rally that may have saved the season for the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki scored 32 points and the Mavericks rallied from a 13 points down early in the fourth to stun the Phoenix Suns 105-98 on Sunday.

McGrady's 35 lead Rockets by Blazers (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 26 of his 35 points in the second half, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 95-88 Thursday night. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Houston. The Rockets, once atop the Western Conference with a 22-game winning streak, are currently in fifth place with the Phoenix Suns.

Nash leads Suns to rout of Timberwolves (AP)

Steve Nash had 14 points and 11 assists, then sat out the final quarter Friday night while the Phoenix Suns completed a 117-88 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Amare Stoudemire had 24 points in 28 minutes as five Suns reached double figures. Grant Hill, out for the previous three games with a strained right groin, had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Marion out for season with foot injury
Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion will miss the final seven games of the season because of a left foot injury. Marion has been sidelined with back spasms that forced him to sit out 11 of the past 12 games. He will undergo treatment and will not be able to participate in basketball activity for about 30 days. Marion appeared in 16 games for Miami after being acquired in early February as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns.

Suns rally vs. Nuggets; pull even with Lakers
Phoenix rallied against Denver to tie the Lakers for the Pacific lead, while the Nuggets lost ground to the Mavs in the wild West.

Nuggets outrun Suns, move into 8th (AP)

Carmelo Anthony grabbed two key rebounds and sank two free throws in the final 27 seconds, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 126-120 Tuesday night. The Nuggets pulled into eighth place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference playoff race, a half-game ahead of Golden State, which lost at San Antonio 116-92 Tuesday night.

Stoudemire's 41 rally Suns by Nuggets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 41 points and Steve Nash had 36, and the Phoenix Suns rallied from a 22-point second-quarter deficit to overcome the Denver Nuggets 132-117 Monday night for their 50th victory of the season. In reaching at least 50 wins for the fourth straight season, the Suns tied the idle Los Angeles Lakers for first place in the Pacific Division and strengthened their position in the...

Suns beat Nets, tie for lead in Pacific (AP)

The Phoenix Suns have a share of first place in the Pacific Division because Amare Stoudemire had another monster game and Shaquille O'Neal did the unexpected -- he made his free throws. Stoudemire had 33 points and 15 rebounds and O'Neal stunned everyone, hitting 7 of 10 from the free-throw line in a 110-104 win over the New Jersey Nets that put the Suns into a first-place tie with Los Angeles...

Hamilton returns, leads Pistons by Cavs (AP)

Richard Hamilton returned to the lineup and scored 14 points, leading the Detroit Pistons to an 85-71 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. The Cavs did, however, clinch a spot in the playoffs because the New Jersey Nets lost to the Phoenix Suns. LeBron James had a lackluster night with 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting with five assists and five turnovers.

Suns-Nets game delayed after Shaq rips down net
Shaquille O'Neal shredded a net on a basket while being fouled on a shot attempt on Saturday night, causing a nine-minute delay in the second quarter of the Phoenix Suns' game with the New Jersey Nets.

Suns avoid first 3-game skid, beat 76ers (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal has played with Phoenix long enough to know the Suns don't go on three-game losing streaks. Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points, Raja Bell had 20 and the Phoenix Suns avoided their first three-game losing skid of the season with a 107-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

Sonics F Wilcox out for rest of season (AP)
Seattle SuperSonics forward Chris Wilcox will miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated finger on his right hand. Wilcox originally dislocated a joint on the little finger of his hand in a game at Phoenix on Jan. 3. He aggravated the injury against the Suns on March 19. The five-year veteran appeared in 62 games this season, averaging 13.4 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes per game.

Duncan leads Spurs to fifth straight win (AP)

Tim Duncan had 26 points and 12 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs withstood a late rally from the Los Angeles Clippers for a 97-88 victory Wednesday night. It was the fifth straight victory for the Spurs, who are in fifth place in the Western Conference and have a 1 1/2 -game lead over the Phoenix Suns.

Garnett's 30 lift Celtics over Suns (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 30 points, sinking the final two to an "M-V-P!" chant echoing through the new Boston Garden, and Paul Pierce had 12 of his 27 in the fourth quarter to lead the Celtics to a 117-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Kendrick Perkins had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Ray Allen had 14 points and eight assists for Boston, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

Pistons' OT win ends Suns' streak at 7 (AP)

The Detroit Pistons have been searching for reliable backups for All-Star guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton for years. They might have finally found them. With Hamilton sidelined with a sore hip, rookies Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo stepped up to help the Pistons end Phoenix's seven-game winning streak with a 110-105 overtime victory Monday night.

F Wilcox, G Watson both out for Sonics (AP)
The slumping Seattle SuperSonics were without guard Earl Watson and forward Chris Wilcox again Monday night, leaving the Sonics with only 11 healthy players. Wilcox missed his third straight game with a sprained right pinkie, suffered last Wednesday night against Phoenix. Watson missed his fourth game of the season, being bothered of late by calf and finger injuries.

Injuries keep Hamilton, Dixon out against Suns
Detroit Pistons guards Richard Hamilton and Juan Dixon were sidelined for Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.

Pistons' Hamilton out with sore hip (AP)
Detroit Pistons guards Richard Hamilton and Juan Dixon were sidelined for Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. Hamilton, Detroit's leading scorer at 17.7 points per game, is sidelined with a sore left hip, while Dixon has a strained left calf. Arron Afflalo replaced Hamilton in the starting lineup, while Lindsey Hunter was expected to play for the first time since Jan.

Suns' Stoudemire makes 20-of-20 FTs (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 38 points, including a franchise-record 20-of-20 on free throws, and the Phoenix Suns won their seventh in a row by beating the Houston Rockets 122-113 on Saturday night. Stoudemire, who also had 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, broke the club record for consecutive free throws in a game of 17, set by Paul Silas against Atlanta on Jan.

Suns win fifth straight, beat Blazers (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal never worried that he wouldn't fit in Phoenix. With the Suns rolling as they are, he certainly knows he belongs now. Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points, O'Neal had a hard-fought 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the Suns cruised to their fifth straight win, 111-98 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Suns overcome 27 TOs, win sixth straight (AP)

Steve Nash scored 23 points, Amare Stoudemire dominated inside with 26 points and the Phoenix Suns overcame a season-high 27 turnovers to beat the Seattle SuperSonics 110-98 on Wednesday night. It was Phoenix's sixth straight win -- its second longest streak this season -- and pulled the Suns within a half game of New Orleans and the idle Lakers for the best record in the Western Conference.

Suns are peeking through the clouds again
Things were bleak in Phoenix after the Shaq trade, but then the Big Fella dove into the crowd and everything changed, says Mike Kahn.

Suns rout Kings for fourth straight win (AP)
The Phoenix Suns sure look like they've figured out that Shaquille O'Neal thing. Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 10 rebounds, and the Suns won their fourth in a row Saturday night with a 127-99 rout of the Sacramento Kings. Gordan Giricek, like O'Neal a recent addition, scored 17 of his season-high 23 points in the first half for Phoenix.

Stoudemire's 36 power Suns over Warriors (AP)

The Phoenix Suns can still run and shoot, too. The Suns reverted to their freewheeling pre-Shaq ways to overcome the helter-skelter Golden State Warriors 123-115 Thursday night. "We can adjust," Amare Stoudemire said. "That's the name of the game and that's how it's going to be in the playoffs. We can play big ball, or we can go small ball and outrun them, so we've got the best of both worlds."...

Suns win eighth straight vs. Grizzlies (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 30 minutes, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth time in a row with a 132-111 rout on Tuesday night. Raja Bell added 20 points, including 18 in the third quarter, for the Suns. Gordan Giricek scored 18, his best output since coming to Phoenix on March 4, as did Leandro Barbosa, and Grant Hill had 17.

Not through yet: Suns get big win against Spurs
Maybe we can't write Phoenix off just yet. Even though the Suns have struggled with Shaq, they still had enough to beat the Spurs.

O'Neal, Nash lead Suns past Spurs 94-87 (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal had 14 points and 16 rebounds, and Steve Nash 19 points and 14 assists, helping the Phoenix Suns to a rugged 94-87 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Grant Hill scored 18, including a crucial baseline 20-footer with 1:15 to go, as the Suns showed why they thought they needed O'Neal to compete with the rugged Spurs in the West.

LIVE: Suns try to end skid against the Spurs
Since they last met, San Antonio has been rolling and Phoenix has struggled. Will today be any different? Follow LIVEand see.

Hench's Hit List: Sun setting in Phoenix
The Shaq experiment isn't working so far, but not for the most obvious reason. Kevin Hench finds room for the Suns on the Hit List.

Jazz deal Suns third straight home loss (AP)

The Utah Jazz went on a scoring binge against Phoenix on Friday night. Everybody's doing that against the struggling Suns these days. Carlos Boozer scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half, including a tough 8-foot bank shot with 31.1 seconds to play, and the Jazz handed the Suns their third consecutive home loss, 126-118.

Jazz win nail-biter in desert
Utah continued their hot streak as they defeated Phoenix 126-118 in the desert. Hear from Deron Williams after the Jazz won for the fifth time in six games.

Suns still working out kinks with Shaq experiment
Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Phoenix Suns insist everything is all right, that they just need time to work out the kinks that come with their giant addition.

O'Neal, Suns say they need time to gel
Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Phoenix Suns insist everything is all right, that they just need time to work out the kinks that come with their giant addition. "We're not going to panic," Amare Stoudemire said. Time is running out, though, for the three-time defending Pacific Division champs. With 21 games remaining in the regular season, the Suns have fallen to sixth in the Western Conference. They are 3-5 since O'Neal was acquired from Miami for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

Suns, Shaq trying to work through kinks (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Phoenix Suns insist everything is all right, that they just need time to work out the kinks that come with their giant addition. "We're not going to panic," Amare Stoudemire said. Time is running out, though, for the three-time defending Pacific Division champs. With 21 games remaining in the regular season, the Suns have fallen to sixth in the Western...

Kirilenko still out for Jazz with hip injury
Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko will miss Friday's game at Phoenix and is doubtful for Saturday's home game against Denver. Kirilenko injured his right hip Monday when he was knocked down by Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who was called for a flagrant foul on the play. The NBA suspended Nowitzki for one game Wednesday. Kirilenko did not travel with the Jazz to Phoenix on Thursday.

Utah's Kirilenko to miss second game with injury
Andrei Kirilenko of the Utah Jazz will miss his second straight game Friday at Phoenix.

Stoudemire has 22, Suns hold off Blazers (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points and the Phoenix Suns fought off a late surge by the Portland Trail Blazers for a 97-92 victory on Tuesday night. Phoenix had lost two straight and was 2-4 since adding center Shaquille O'Neal to the lineup. The Suns have also surrendered the top spot of the Western Conference's Pacific Division to the Los Angeles Lakers.

'Melo's double-double keys Nuggets' win (AP)

Carmelo Anthony crashed the boards as hard as he worked for open looks at the basket, grabbing 13 rebounds and scoring 30 points Wednesday night in the Denver Nuggets ' 126-113 win over the tired Phoenix Suns. Allen Iverson's 31 points led the Nuggets, who pulled within one game of Golden State for the eighth and final spot in the rousing Western Conference playoff picture.

Kevin Johnson planning to run for Sacramento mayor
Former NBA star Kevin Johnson is jumping into the Sacramento mayor's race. The 42-year-old Johnson announced Wednesday that he'll challenge three-term incumbent Heather Fargo in the municipal election in June. Johnson is the only serious opponent to Fargo, who has governed the capital city as it has slid into a deep real estate slump. Johnson was one of the more popular players in the history of the Phoenix Suns.

76ers continue playoff push, beat Clips (AP)

Mike Dunleavy didn't get to coach Andre Miller during the point guard's only season with the Clippers, which makes Miller's success with the Philadelphia 76ers that much more difficult for the Staples Center faithful to swallow. Andre Iguodala scored 18 points, Samuel Dalembert had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and the 76ers avoided a letdown after their upset win at Phoenix by routing the Clippers...

Suns sign Giricek for rest of season
The Phoenix Suns signed guard Gordan Giricek on Tuesday to a contract for the rest of the season. Giricek, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, joins his fifth NBA team. The 6-foot-6 Croatian played parts of six seasons with Memphis, Orlando and Utah before being traded to Philadelphia last Dec. 29. Suns general manager Steve Kerr called the 30-year-old Giricek "an excellent shooter, a solid defender and a proven playoff performer." He shot a career-best 42.

Sharpshooter Giricek joins Suns for rest of season
The Phoenix Suns signed guard Gordan Giricek on Tuesday to a contract for the rest of the season.

Suns sign G Giricek for rest of season (AP)
The Phoenix Suns signed guard Gordan Giricek on Tuesday to a contract for the rest of the season. Giricek, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, joins his fifth NBA team. The 6-foot-6 Croatian played parts of six seasons with Memphis, Orlando and Utah before being traded to Philadelphia last Dec.

76ers get rare win at Phoenix, 119-114 (AP)

Andre Iguodala scored 32 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers held on to beat the Suns in Phoenix for the first time in six years, 119-114 on Saturday night. Andre Miller added 25 points and 12 assists for the 76ers, who shot 57 percent after being blown out at Golden State 119-97 on Friday night. Willie Green scored 17, including three crucial free throws in the final 18.2 seconds.

Lakers beat Heat for 10th straight win (AP)

Jordan Farmar scored a career-high 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 21 and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to a season-best 10 games Thursday night with a 106-88 victory over the Miami Heat. The Lakers (41-17) maintained their one-game lead over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs for best record in the Western Conference, and lead Phoenix and New Orleans by two.

Paul helps Hornets beat Suns, end skid (AP)

Chris Paul had 25 points, 15 assists and three steals to help the New Orleans Hornets end a three-game losing skid with a 120-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. David West scored 27 points and reserve guard Jannero Pargo 22 added for New Orleans, which shot 53 percent in avoiding its first four-game losing streak of the season.

Nash, O'Neal spark Suns by Grizzlies (AP)

Steve Nash had 25 points and 13 assists and Shaquille O'Neal added 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 127-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. The recently acquired O'Neal had his best game as a Sun. Despite not playing the fourth quarter, O'Neal got his first double-double since joining the Phoenix lineup Feb.

Courtside Seat: Sun block in Phoenix?
Shaquille O'Neal was thought to be the savior in Phoenix, but the early returns are mixed. Our Jamey Eisenberg takes a look at the the new-look Suns from a Fantasy perspective.

Pistons pound O'Neal, Suns 116-86 (AP)

Rasheed Wallace scored 22 points in 26 minutes to lead six Detroit players in double figures, and the Pistons embarrassed Shaquille O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns 116-86 Sunday. Richard Hamilton had 18 points and Chauncey Billups 14 points and 11 assists, and Antonio McDyess 12 points and 13 rebounds. Jarvis Hayes added a season-high 18 as Detroit easily ended the Suns' 11-game winning streak against...

Shaq gets first win with Suns (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns gave Boston its first three-game losing streak of the season with a rugged 85-77 victory over the Celtics on Friday night. The Suns got their first victory with Shaquille O'Neal in the lineup. They lost 130-124 to the Los Angeles Lakers in O'Neal's Phoenix debut on Wednesday night.

Suns hand C's third straight loss
Phoenix won a hard-fought battle against Boston as the Celtics lose their third straight game, 85-77. Hear from Grant Hill after the home victory.

Despite losing to Kobe, Shaq's not quite done
Kobe shined late as the Lakers beat the Suns, but not before Shaq showed enough pep to instill hope in Phoenix, Randy Hill says.

Kobe's 41 trump Shaq's debut with Suns (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers spoil Shaquille O'Neal's Phoenix debut with a 130-124 victory over the Suns on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol added 29, including a breakaway dunk that put Los Angeles up 123-117 with 1:15 to play. Lamar Odom added 22 for the Lakers, who won their sixth in a row to move into a tie with Phoenix atop the Pacific Division.

NBA Tip-Off: Duel in the desert
Though the Kobe-Shaq reunion will get the attention tonight in Phoenix, Marques Johnson says Pau Gasol may play the biggest role.

LIVE: Shaq, Suns take on Kobe, Lakers
Shaq's first game with the Suns pits him against Kobe and the Lakers. Follow their confrontation (LIVE) in Phoenix right here.

Report: NBA to hold outdoor game in preseason
Taking a page out of the NHL's playbook, the NBA is heading to the great outdoors when the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets square off in an October exhibition game, according to a published report.

O'Neal set to make Suns debut Wednesday
Shaquille O'Neal says he is ready to run with the Phoenix Suns. Really. "I'm going to be looking to get out like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens," he said Tuesday after going through his final workout before making his debut with the Suns on Wednesday night against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The prospect of the 7-foot-1, 325-pound O'Neal, at age 35, fitting in with the high-octane Suns has been ridiculed across much of the NBA.

O'Neal says he's ready to run with Suns (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal says he is ready to run with the Phoenix Suns. Really. "I'm going to be looking to get out like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens," he said Tuesday after going through his final workout before making his debut with the Suns on Wednesday night against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The prospect of the 7-foot-1, 325-pound O'Neal, at age 35, fitting in with the high-octane Suns has...

Suns, Nuggets to play outdoor game in 2008-09
The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets will play the first outdoor game in modern NBA history during the 2008-09 preseason. The exhibition game on Oct. 11 at the 16,000-seat Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be televised by TNT. The game follows the NHL's successful outdoor game on New Year's Day in Buffalo, N.Y. "What will happen here will be historic," Rick Welts, the Suns' president and chief operating officer, said Tuesday. "More importantly, I think this will be a lot of fun.

Suns vs. Nuggets in outdoor exhibition (AP)
The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets will play the first outdoor game in modern NBA history during the 2008-09 preseason. The exhibition game on Oct. 11 at the 16,000-seat Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be televised by TNT. The game follows the NHL's successful outdoor game on New Year's Day in Buffalo, N.Y.

Suns pull away late, defeat Mavs 109-97 (AP)

Steve Nash had 24 points and 13 assists and the Phoenix Suns pulled away in the final quarter to beat the weary and short-handed Dallas Mavericks 109-97 on Friday night. Amare Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa scored 26 apiece and Boris Diaw 19 Leandro Barbosa for the Suns, who shot 57 percent and improved to 3-2 since Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks were sent to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal.

Hinrich leads Bulls over Heat 99-92 (AP)

Kirk Hinrich scored 24 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 99-92 victory over Miami on Thursday night and send the Heat to their 24th loss in 25 games despite solid outings by Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion. Wade scored 30 after pouring in 29 in Tuesday's overtime loss to Denver. Marion had 23 in his third game with Miami since the deal that sent Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix.

Ellis' 37 points help Warriors past Suns (AP)

Don Nelson talked before the game about how much his Golden State Warriors need the five days off they will get at the All-Star break to recharge for the stretch run. That was only more true after spending 48 minutes running up and down the court with the Phoenix Suns. Monta Ellis scored 37 points and Baron Davis made three straight baskets down the stretch to send the Warriors into the break with...

Shaq's to make Suns debut after All-Star break
Shaquille O'Neal doesn't expect to make his debut for the Phoenix Suns until after the All-Star break. After working out for a third straight day with his new team before Wednesday night's game against Golden State, O'Neal said he wanted to make sure his injured hip was completely healed and that he knew enough of the offense before playing his first game with the Suns. He said we wouldn't play Thursday at home against Dallas but hoped to play soon after this weekend's All-Star break.

Shaq delays Suns debut until after All-Star break
Shaquille O'Neal doesn't expect to make his debut for the Phoenix Suns until after the All-Star break.

Shaq unlikely to make debut Wednesday
Shaquille O'Neal doesn't want to slow the Phoenix Suns. That's why he may make them wait a few more days before playing his eagerly awaited first game debut in purple and orange. O'Neal, who is learning a new offense and working his way into shape after a hip injury, is unlikely to play when the Suns visit Golden State on Wednesday night. After returning from the Bay Area, the team will decide whether O'Neal will play against Dallas on Thursday night in Phoenix.

Shaq's Suns debut still on hold (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal doesn't want to slow the Phoenix Suns. That's why he may make them wait a few more days before playing his eagerly awaited first game debut in purple and orange. O'Neal, who is learning a new offense and working his way into shape after a hip injury, is unlikely to play when the Suns visit Golden State on Wednesday night.

Shaq winded, but fine, after first Suns practice
Shaquille O'Neal has gone through his first practice with the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal said after Monday's workout that he was winded but otherwise felt fine.

Shaq winded after first Suns practice
Shaquille O'Neal has gone through his first practice with the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal said after Monday's workout that he was winded but otherwise felt fine. He says it's going to take some time, though, for him to learn where he fits in the Suns' system. He says at this point in his career, he considers himself a role player. No date has been set for his first game with Phoenix.

O'Neal winded after practicing with Suns (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal has gone through his first practice with the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal said after Monday's workout that he was winded but otherwise felt fine. He says it's going to take some time, though, for him to learn where he fits in the Suns' system. He says at this point in his career, he considers himself a role player.

Wizards' skid hits 7 with loss to Suns (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 31 points, including two game-clinching free throws with 7.5 seconds to play, and the Phoenix Suns handed the Washington Wizards their seventh straight loss, 108-107 on Sunday night. Antwan Jamison scored 28 points and Brendan Haywood a season-high 21 for the Wizards, who last lost seven in a row from March 5-16, 2004.

Shaq-less Suns win nailbiter
Phoenix, awaiting the debut of Shaquille O'Neal was barely able to fend off the feisty Sonics. Hear from Boris Diaw after the Suns' 103-99 victory.

Szczerbiak's mistake allows Suns to win (AP)

Wally Szczerbiak took the ball out of bounds, found no one open, and called timeout. Oops. His team had no timeouts left. That mistake with 15.1 seconds to play allowed the Phoenix Suns to escape with a 103-99 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Friday night. "Now I know how Chris Webber felt in the NCAA tournament," Szczerbiak said, recalling that long-ago error that helped cost Michigan the...

Shaq wants to prove critics wrong (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal flashed that wide smile, and took on the critics who say he's too old and too slow to fit in with the sleek, speedy Phoenix Suns. "I look forward to making people eat their words," he said at a news conference Thursday. "I really do." Wearing a Suns' purple shirt and tie with his immaculate dark suit, O'Neal met the media for the first time since the stunning deal Wednesday that...

LIVE: Shaq talks for 1st time as Phoenix Sun


76ers roll past Shaq-less Heat 101-84 (AP)

The Shaq-less Miami Heat aren't much different than they were before trading the 14-time All-Star center. Andre Iguodala scored 25 points and Andre Miller added 21, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 101-84 victory over the short-handed Heat on Thursday night. The Heat are still stuck on nine wins, and they've lost twice in the day-and-a-half since dealing Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix for Shawn...

Marion, Banks not in uniform for Heat (AP)
The Miami Heat are stuck in the post-Shaq and pre-Shawn Marion era at least for a few more days. Marion and Marcus Banks, acquired Wednesday in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal, were not in uniform for Miami's game against Philadelphia on Thursday night. Heat coach Pat Riley said Marion and Banks were undergoing the first parts of their physicals.

Suns get Shaq, give up Marion, Banks (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal smiled broadly, then stood from his seat in a suite high above the court at US Airways Center. He pointed to his ring finger and gave a thumbs up. The crowd went crazy. The message he was sending on the big screen at the Phoenix-New Orleans game Wednesday night was clear: He intends to bring to Phoenix the championship that has eluded the Suns franchise through its 40-year history.

Shaq to doubters: You'll eat your words
Shaquille O'Neal had strong words for those who doubt he can fit in with the Phoenix Suns.

Shaq watches Peja's 2OT buzzer-beater (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal got a look at how entertaining his new team can be. The result was the same as its been all season, though, for his Phoenix Suns against New Orleans. The Hornets won. Peja Stojakovic sank a 22-footer at the buzzer to give the Hornets a 132-130 double-overtime victory Wednesday night, improving their record against the Suns to 3-0, with two of the victories in Phoenix.

Shaq on verge of being traded to Suns (AP)
The fastest, flashiest team in the NBA could be getting a lot slower -- but much larger -- because of a blockbuster trade few could have seen coming. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and Shaquille O'Neal went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major roadblock was the 14-time All-Star center passing a physical.

LeBron stunned by 'unbelievable' O'Neal deal
LeBron James was in Shaq shock. Like nearly everyone else, Cleveland's megastar was floored by Shaquille O'Neal's trade to Phoenix. "Unbelievable," James said after practice Wednesday. "That's all I got. It's unbelievable." O'Neal, one of the league's top centers for more than a decade, was traded by Miami to the Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks, a blockbuster deal that rocked the league like one of Shaq's backboard-bending dunks.

Shaq passes physical, will be dealt to Suns
The Phoenix Suns have acquired Shaquille O'Neal in a stunning, blockbuster deal that sends four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

Shaq will force Suns to alter run-and-gun style
The Shaquille O'Neal deal marks the end of the Suns' run-and-gun days. And Charley Rosen isn't sure it will work out for Phoenix.

Suns improve to 8-0 against Bobcats (AP)

Leandro Barbosa scored 30 points and Raja Bell added 24, including a season-high seven 3-pointers, to help the Phoenix Suns stay unbeaten against Charlotte with a 118-104 victory over the Bobcats on Monday night. Barbosa hit five 3-pointers as the Suns improved to 8-0 against Charlotte since the Bobcats' franchise was established in 2004.

Short-handed Spurs rally past Suns 84-81 (AP)

It was hardly a well-played game. However, it was one the San Antonio Spurs desperately needed to win -- and they did. Tim Duncan banked in a shot with 30.9 seconds remaining, Manu Ginobili hit four late free throws and the undermanned Spurs rallied to beat the Phoenix Suns 84-81 on Thursday night and end a three-game losing streak.

Paul, West named All-Stars for Hornets (AP)
Chris Paul and David West were picked for their first All-Star game Thursday night, giving the hometown Hornets a pair of players for the event New Orleans will host next month. Detroit, Phoenix and Washington also had multiple players chosen as reserves for the Feb. 17 game. Boston will only send two of its Big Three to the Big Easy.

Paul, West earn first All-Star selections
Chris Paul and David West were picked for their first All-Star game Thursday night, giving the hometown Hornets a pair of players for the event New Orleans will host next month. Detroit, Phoenix and Washington also had multiple players chosen as reserves for the Feb. 17 game. Boston will only send two of its Big Three to the Big Easy. Paul Pierce was voted in by Eastern Conference head coaches to join starter Kevin Garnett, but Ray Allen fell short.

Stoudemire helps Suns roll past Hawks (AP)

What a difference Amare Stoudemire makes. When the Phoenix Suns played at Atlanta in November, Stoudemire was injured and did not play. Tuesday night, Stoudemire was in the Suns' lineup, scored 22 of his 24 points in the first half and Phoenix rolled to a 125-92 victory over the Hawks. Stoudemire, who played only eight minutes in the second half, made 10 of his 11 field goal attempts and four of his...

Foye returns, but Wolves lose to Bulls (AP)

Kirk Hinrich finished with 27 points after a rough start, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 96-85, spoiling Randy Foye's return from a knee injury Tuesday night. Although they began the night with the NBA's worst record, the Timberwolves were showing signs of progress. They had won three of four, beating Phoenix along the way, and the lone loss during that stretch was by one to...

Back spasms sideline Suns' Hill against Bulls
Back spasms kept Phoenix forward Grant Hill out of the Suns' game Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, who were again without leading scorers Ben Gordon and Luol Deng.

Suns' Hill, Bulls' Gordon, Deng sit out (AP)
Back spasms kept Phoenix forward Grant Hill out the Suns' game Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, who were again without leading scorers Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. Hill's problem arose Tuesday at Milwaukee in his first game back after missing nearly two weeks following an appendectomy. He then aggravated the condition on a fastbreak layup during the opening minutes of Friday's win at Cleveland.

Suns beat Bulls for sixth win in 7 games (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 24 points and the Phoenix Suns pulled away early in the fourth quarter to beat the Chicago Bulls 88-77 Sunday. Leandro Barbosa scored 13 and started a 12-0 run in the fourth with a baseline drive and two 3-pointers, sending the Suns to their sixth win in seven games. That allowed Phoenix to exhale after three difficult quarters and a trying week.

Suns planning outdoor preseason game in Calif.
The Phoenix Suns are planning to play the NBA's first outdoor game during next year's preseason at the Indian Wells (Calif.) Tennis Garden.

Marion buzzer-beater lifts Suns by Cavs (AP)

Shawn Marion made just one shot, the only one Phoenix absolutely had to have. Marion dropped in a baseline floater with 1.1 seconds left for his lone field goal and the Suns burned Cleveland with a season-high 17 3-pointers in a 110-108 over the Cavaliers on Friday night. Marion, averaging 15.9 points, was 0-for-3 from the floor before he took a pass in the corner from Boris Diaw, faked his way...

Bulls' Gordon, Deng, Duhon miss game (AP)
Bulls guard Ben Gordon missed Friday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats with a sprained right wrist. Gordon, the team's leading scorer, missed his second straight game and is listed day to day. He was injured Monday during a 104-90 loss at Memphis. Gordon hopes to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.

Sun scorcher: Jefferson scores 39 to drop Phoenix
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Jefferson's 39 lift Wolves over Suns (AP)

Al Jefferson led Minnesota to another unlikely victory over the Phoenix Suns. Jefferson had a career-high 39 points and 15 rebounds, and the Timberwolves won two in a row for the first time this season, 117-107 over the Western Conference leaders on Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 33 points, but only 19 of them came in the last 43 minutes.

Nash's season-high 37 rally Suns to win (AP)

Steve Nash would prefer to see his teammates do all the scoring. The Phoenix Suns star can still put up points when he needs to. Nash scored 15 of his season-high 37 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Suns past the Milwaukee Bucks 114-105 on Tuesday night. "It's not really my thing," said Nash, a guard better known for his passing.

Suns' Hill starts two weeks after appendectomy
Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill was back in the starting lineup Tuesday night, less than two weeks after undergoing an appendectomy.

Suns F Hill returns vs. Bucks (AP)
Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill was back in the starting lineup Tuesday night, less than two weeks after undergoing an appendectomy. "He'll start," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said before the Suns played the Milwaukee Bucks. "He's ready to go. There's no medical reason for him not to play. He could be a little tired." Hill had the surgery Jan.

Knicks' Marbury has successful surgery on ankle
Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury had surgery Tuesday to remove bone spurs from his left ankle and is out indefinitely. Marbury said last week he would try to return this season. He had the same surgery when he played in Phoenix and was sidelined for most of the offseason. The procedure was performed by Dr. William Hamilton. The Knicks - who have made it clear the surgery was Marbury's choice - said it was successful.

Marbury has surgery on left ankle (AP)
Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury had surgery Tuesday to remove bone spurs from his left ankle and is out indefinitely. Marbury said last week he would try to return this season. He had the same surgery when he played in Phoenix and was sidelined for most of the offseason. The procedure was performed by Dr.

Suns extend home dominance of Nets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 28 points and the Phoenix Suns made it 14 in a row at home over New Jersey by routing the Nets 116-92 on Sunday night. Raja Bell added 20 points, including 5-of-10 3-pointers. New Jersey hasn't won in Phoenix since March 13, 1993. Six players, including all five starters, scored in double figures for the Suns.

Nash nearly perfect, Suns beat Wolves (AP)

Steve Nash had a near-flawless game and five Phoenix players scored 17 points or more Friday night in the Suns' 115-95 rout of Minnesota, the Timberwolves' 15th consecutive loss on the road. Nash was 6-for-6 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line for 17 points with 13 assists. He had one turnover in 28 minutes.

Hot-and-cold Kobe not enough in poor Lakers effort
Is this life without Andrew Bynum? The Lakers were handled by Phoenix, though Charley Rosen says both teams have work to do.

Suns beat Lakers to regain West lead (AP)

The Phoenix Suns finally found a way to beat the Los Angeles Lakers after two decisive losses this season. Excellent shooting and ball movement were the key factors, along with a major hole in the middle on the other side. Leandro Barbosa scored 22 points, Shawn Marion added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and the Suns beat the Andrew Bynum-less Lakers 106-98 on Thursday night to regain the Western...

Bynum expresses disappointment, optimism
Lakers center Andrew Bynum, expected to be sidelined until at least the middle of March, expressed both disappointment and optimism in his first interview since injuring his left knee. "It's serious because I'm going to miss two months. At the same time, it's not because it's nothing that's going to affect my future," Bynum told reporters shortly before Thursday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.

Cassell leads Clippers past Suns, 97-90 (AP)

A shooting slump is the last thing that's going to deter Sam Cassell. He's going to keep firing away as long as he's able. Cassell scored 32 points against Phoenix on Tuesday night, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Suns 97-90 to knock them out of first place in the Western Conference. The 38-year-old Cassell, who was 7-for-31 in his previous four games, made 15-of-21 shots to help the Clippers...

Mavs' Stackhouse beats buzzer, Clippers (AP)

Jerry Stackhouse hit a 3-pointer as time expired, and the Dallas Mavericks got 22 points from Dirk Nowitzki and 20 from Jason Terry in a 95-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. The Mavericks' seventh straight victory improved their record to 26-11 and kept them tied with Phoenix for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Suns extend home dominance of Bucks (AP)

Steve Nash scored 26 of his season-high 35 points in the second half and the Suns beat the Milwaukee Bucks in Phoenix for the 20th consecutive time, 122-114, on Saturday night. Nash was 11-of-13 shooting, 4-of-5 of them 3s, in the final two quarters, showing no effect from the stomach flu that had kept him out of Thursday night's loss in Utah.

Jazz roll past undermanned Suns 108-86 (AP)

Mehmet Okur scored 22 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and the Utah Jazz routed the tired and short-handed version of the Phoenix Suns 108-86 Thursday night. Deron Williams added 17 points and 11 assists and Ronnie Brewer tied his career high with 21 points for the Jazz, who had an advantage from the start with three Suns starters unavailable.

Suns facing Jazz minus three starters
Phoenix guard Steve Nash was out with the flu and forward Shawn Marion missed the Suns' game in Utah on Thursday night because of a bruised elbow. Nash, who was too sick to finish the Suns' home game against Indiana the night before, didn't travel with the team for the one-game trip. Marion bruised his right elbow in the overtime win against the Pacers and the Suns were also without forward Grant Hill, who had an appendectomy Wednesday. The Jazz also were short-handed.

Nash, Marion sit out for Suns in Utah (AP)
Phoenix guard Steve Nash was out with the flu and forward Shawn Marion missed the Suns' game in Utah on Thursday night because of a bruised elbow. Nash, who was too sick to finish the Suns' home game against Indiana the night before, didn't travel with the team for the one-game trip. Marion bruised his right elbow in the overtime win against the Pacers and the Suns were also without forward Grant...

Suns rally in overtime without Nash (AP)

Raja Bell sank two 3-pointers in the final 2 1/2 minutes of overtime and the Phoenix Suns rallied from 16 points down in regulation without Steve Nash to beat the Indiana Pacers 129-122 on Wednesday night. Bell scored a season-high 27, including 6-of-11 on 3s. Leandro Barbosa scored 25 of his 27 points after halftime, 16 in the third quarter, and the Suns handed the Pacers their seventh consecutive...

Atkins to have surgery for sports hernia
Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins was expected to have surgery sometime next week to repair a sports hernia that has bothered him since the preseason. The Nuggets said a timeline for his return won't be known until after the operation. Atkins, who signed a two-free free agent contract with Denver last summer, has averaged 4.0 points in nine games for the Nuggets this season. He missed the first 24 games with a severely strained right groin he suffered in a preseason game at Phoenix on Oct. 25.

Suns' Hill to have appendectomy, miss 2 weeks
Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill was scheduled to undergo an appendectomy Wednesday evening and is expected to miss at least two weeks of the season, team officials said.

Suns make 20 3s, defeat Nuggets 137-115 (AP)

Shawn Marion scored a season-high 27 points, had six blocked shots, and hit five of Phoenix's 20 3-pointers to lead the Suns to a 137-115 romp over the Denver Nuggets in a matchup of division leaders Monday night. Marcus Banks, who has played his way back into the Suns' rotation, made a career-high seven 3s -- in eight attempts -- en route to a season-best 23 points.

Paul rallies Hornets past Suns 118-113 (AP)