Shaq's inside game lifts Suns past Spurs
Updated: 2008-03-10 16:22
NEW YORK - Shaquille O'Neal contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds to lift the Phoenix Suns to a 94-87 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
 Phoenix Suns' Shaquille O'Neal (R) lays in a basket while being guarded by San Antonio Spurs' Kurt Thomas during fourth quarter NBA basketball action in Phoenix, Arizona, March 9, 2008. Phoenix defeated San Antonio 94-87. O'Neal scored 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. [Agencies] |
Steve Nash added 19 points and 14 assists for the Suns, who handed the Spurs their second consecutive loss after an 11-game winning streak.
"We did a heck of a job on the defensive end and just battled the whole way," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters.
O'Neal was especially effective in the first half, getting 12 points and 11 rebounds before the intermission.
"It's a big body to bother us every time we penetrate," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili told reporters after scoring a team-high 22 points.
"It's not the same having a seven-footer. You have to go after him every time, so he makes a difference especially on the boards."
Tony Parker added 21 points for San Antonio and Tim Duncan chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Spurs led 85-80 with 5:12 to play but Phoenix went on a 14-2 run to seal the win.
Amare Stoudemire sparked the spree with five consecutive points to put the Suns in front. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
* The Philadelphia 76ers cruised to their fourth consecutive win, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 119-97 behind rookie Thaddeus Young's 22 points.
* Anthony Parker scored 23 points, Rasho Nesterovic 17 and Andrea Bargnani 16 in the Toronto Raptors' 114-106 home win over the Seattle SuperSonics.
* Beno Udrih sank two free throws with four seconds remaining as the Sacramento Kings shocked the Los Angeles Lakers 114-113.
* Chauncey Billups scored 34 points to help the Detroit Pistons clinch a playoff berth with a 116-109 win over the Chicago Bulls.
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