Suns’ One-Two Punch of Stoudemire-Nash Demystify the Wizards

Written by Joseph Tames Saturday, 19 December 2009 23:03

PHOENIX, ARIZ.—December 19, 2009. Amar’e Stoudemire continues to gain confidence and the Suns bench took advantage of some real game time situations as Phoenix defeated the Washington Wizards 121-95 at US Airways Center.

Stoudemire scored 14 of his 23 points in the third quarter and grabbed 14 rebounds to be the top performer in both categories. Jason Richardson had 22 points on 10-of 18 shooting and six rebounds. Richardson, who did not play in the road loss to Portland two nights ago, started the game with his shooting wrist bandaged but removed the tape three minutes after tipoff. Nash had 15 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds. Channing Frye had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Goran Dragic, who had 18 points last Tuesday against San Antonio, scored 12 points as he continues to impress Suns head coach Alvin Gentry. “Goran is getting better every game. I think it’s just been really helpful to play those few minutes with Steve before we take Steve out and he becomes the primary ball handler."

Gentry was also pleased his team played consistently for 48 minutes; no peaks and valleys that have plagued the Suns over the last few road games. Gentry played everyone on his bench in the 4^th quarter except Jarron Collins.

Washington’s Gilbert Arenas scored 22 points after scoring 45 last night against Golden State. The Wizards got in late last night after their road game in Oakland and Gentry’s game plan was to not give up easy baskets to Arenas. Gentry and the Suns forced Arenas outside to get his points and the strategy worked. Arenas was only 6-of-21 for the game, scoring 15 of his 22 points in the second quarter.

Bench player Nick Young had 20 points, Antawn Jamison had 15 points and Caron Butler had 10 points to help led the Wizards. Washington only hit on 36.4 percent of its field goals, going 32-of-88. Backup forward/center Andray Blatche pulled down nine rebounds.

The Suns maintain an 13-16 point lead through midway the second quarter lead until Arenas knocked down a 25-foot three-pointer to cut the lead to 11. Richardson responded with a three-pointer of his own, followed by Grant Hill’s nine-footer. The Wizards and Suns battled back and forth until halftime, where Phoenix held a 63-47 lead. The Wizards didn’t get any closer.

The Suns’ (18-9) next game will be a welcome back party of sorts for Shaquille O’Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers. O’Neal, who was traded from Miami to Phoenix almost 18 months ago, wasn’t able to help Nash and Company get that elusive championship ring he promised to the Suns fans. The Cavaliers (20-7) roll into Phoenix Monday, December 21, for a 7:00 pm MST start.

Washington (8-17) plays at home next Tuesday, December 22, against Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers (7-20). Tipoff is 7:00 pm EST.