National Basketball Association
Phoenix 104, Minnesota 95
When: 9:00 PM ET, Thursday, March 1, 2012
Where: US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Officials:
#35 Kane Fitzgerald, #38 Michael Smith, #52 Scott Twardoski
Attendance:
15071
By SportsDirect Inc.
SUNS 104, TIMBERWOLVES 95: Grant Hill had a season-high 20 points and Steve Nash nearly had a triple-double to lead host Phoenix over Minnesota on Thursday.
Hill poured in 15 of his 20 points in the second half and Nash added 13 points, 17 assists and eight rebounds to lead Phoenix to its third win in four games. The 17 helpers for Nash tied a season high.
Forward Kevin Love returned to score a game-high 23 points for Minnesota, after missing Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers because of flu-like symptoms.
The Timberwolves built a 51-46 lead at the half, But the Suns went on a 10-0 run late in the third quarter to take a 77-72 lead. Minnesota didn’t have the energy to mount a comeback, as it was playing the final game of a back-to-back-to-back.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Phoenix has won nine consecutive games against Minnesota. … Timberwolves guard Jose Barea (calf) didn’t play. … The Timberwolves shot 1 for 13 from 3-point range. … The Suns won for just the third time this season when trailing at the half (3-17).
Top Game Performances
| Minnesota |
|
Phoenix |
|
Kevin Love 23 |
Scoring |
Grant Hill 20 |
|
Luke Ridnour 8 |
Assists |
Steve Nash 17 |
|
Kevin Love 10 |
Rebounds |
Steve Nash 8 |
|
Ricky Rubio 7 |
Free Throws Made |
Marcin Gortat 5 |
|
Luke Ridnour 3 |
Steals |
Markieff Morris 2 |
|
Michael Beasley 2 |
Blocks |
Channing Frye 2 |
Team Stats Summary
| Team |
Points |
FG% |
3PM-3PA |
FTM-FTA |
Assists |
Rebounds |
Blocks |
Steals |
Turnovers |
| Minnesota
|
95 |
39.5 |
1-13 |
26-32 |
14 |
37 |
6 |
12 |
12 |
| Phoenix
|
104 |
53.2 |
3-8 |
17-21 |
27 |
44 |
7 |
6 |
17 |
Upcoming Games
-
Phoenix will play their next game at home against L.A. Clippers. The Suns have a W/L % of .357 after a win and .476 after a loss.
-
Minnesota will play their next game on the road against Portland. The Timberwolves have a W/L % of .474 after a win and .500 after a loss.