Suns-Rockets Recap: Nash, Collins Shine in Comeback Win
November 18th, 2009 | by jneveau |Jim Neveau, Phoenix Suns Correspondent
In a game that saw the Rockets build up a 15 point lead, and the Suns shoot like a group of 8th graders at a 7am practice, Phoenix ended up pulling their game together at the right time, and rode a 14-8 run in the closing minutes to a 111-105 victory over Houston on Tuesday night.
Steve Nash dished out 16 assists in the victory, and Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points in the victory.
With the win, the Suns moved to 10-2 on the young season, and also kept up their streak of scoring at least 100 points in every contest they have played.
While they may be known for that kind of offensive prowess, they showed a remarkable amount of defensive talent in the final frame of the game. With their backs to the wall, the Suns held Houston to 9-of-28 shooting in the fourth quarter, and made some pretty significant stops to keep the game within reach.
The Suns also had nine blocks as a team in the contest, whereas Houston only mustered one.
Unsung Hero of the Game: Jarron Collins, Center
A lot will be made of Nash’s 16 assists and Stoudemire’s 23 point night, but the stat line for Collins was very impressive.
In only 13 minutes of action, the center made all three of his field goal attempts, and added two blocks, six rebounds (including two of the five total Suns offensive-rebounds) and dished out an assist.
It’s these kind of contributions off the bench that set elite teams apart from their less skilled counterparts, and it was good to see Collins have a solid outing tonight.
Suns Player of the Game: Steve Nash, Point Guard
Even on nights where his shooting is off (he was 2-of-10 from the field), Nash can still figure out ways to win games.
He got to the free throw line five times, making eight of his nine free throws, and he also dished out 16 helpers.
It’s these kind of performances (and his two 20-assist games) that have Nash listed in the top spot on ESPN’s Most Valuable Player Watch (you can check out the full list here).
The Suns’ next game will be on Thursday night against the New Orleans Hornets in the Big Easy. The game will start at 6pm MST, and can be seen on TNT.
Tags: Amare Stoudemire, Houston Rockets, Jarron Collins, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash
