The Phoenix Suns are hoping to conjure up some old memories
of the franchise tonight, when they shoot for the first 5-0 start since the
1984-85 season against the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic
at Amway Arena.
Phoenix was led by head coach John MacLeod and a young Larry Nance when the
1984-85 squad won a team-record five in a row to kick off the campaign. The
Suns made it to the playoffs that year, only to lose in the first round
against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns have won four straight to match the 2004-05 team and recorded a
104-96 triumph against previously-unbeaten Miami last night in the opener of a
five-game road trip. Steve Nash registered 30 points and handed out eight
assists for Phoenix, which outscored Miami, 29-15, in the fourth quarter and
made 50.6 percent of its shots.
"I didn't really play great in the first half," Nash admitted. "I wanted to be
aggressive and give my teammates a chance to get back in the game. I was just
trying to put more pressure on the defense."
Amare Stoudemire posted 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Grant Hill also
recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards. Jason Richardson netted
14 points in a winning effort. The Suns are the highest scoring team in the
league and will also visit the Celtics, Wizards and 76ers on the current
swing. Guard Leandro Barbosa (wrist) missed Tuesday's game and is questionable
for tonight.
Orlando is coming off its first loss of the season, an 85-80 decision at
Detroit last night, and will play back-to-back games as the host. The Magic
started out 3-0 and were aiming for a perfect three-game road trip until the
Pistons ruined those plans by squeaking out a five-point victory.
Vince Carter had 15 points and JJ Redick tallied 14 for the Magic, who were
denied their first 4-0 start in team history. Dwight Howard, who ended with
just eight points and five boards, fouled out with 3:41 remaining in the game
and also experienced shoulder issues for the second straight contest.
Howard left the game early in the third quarter with a strained right
shoulder, but returned later in the period. He momentarily departed Sunday's
victory at Toronto with the same type of problem, but came back to start the
second half.
"We tried to force things offensively and we didn't play our game as a team,
we tried to hit a home run, we tried to do things individually," said Magic
guard Jameer Nelson, who ended with seven points, six assists and six
rebounds. "We definitely missed Dwight, but we still had our opportunity and
we still had our chances. I think if we stayed a little more poised than we
did down the stretch, then it could have been a little different."
The Magic are ranked in the top 10 in scoring, while their defense is rated
near the middle of the pack.
Phoenix and Orlando split two games a year ago, with each team winning on its
home floor. The Suns have won 17 of the last 23 matchups between the teams.
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