PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns look to snap a two-game losing streak and remain ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers, who have yet to win a road game, when they meet at America West Arena on Tuesday.

The Suns, who are a half-game ahead of the Clippers for third place in the Pacific Division, fell to the Denver Nuggets, 106-98, on Saturday.

Denver erased a 12-point deficit with a 24-4 run over the final seven minutes to pull out the win. Phoenix was up, 94-82, but Nick Van Exel scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to spark the run. The Nuggets scored the final seven points of the game.

Six Suns reached double figures in the defeat. Stephon Marbury led the team with 27 points, Rodney Rogers added 18 and Penny Hardaway had 16 and nine assists.

The Suns have won 16 of their last 25 meetings with the Clippers, but Los Angeles defeated Phoenix, 111-102, at home on November 10.

The Clippers, who defeated the Detroit Pistons, 82-77, on Sunday, have won four of their last five games and six of eight.

Los Angeles trailed, 66-56, after three quarters but outscored Detroit 26-11 in the final 12 minutes. Lamar Odom led five Clippers in double figures with 25 points, and added seven rebounds and six assists.

But the Clippers are 0-6 on the road this season, including a 110-80 loss against Staples Center co-tenants the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday that was considered an away contest. The Clippers have not won on the road since a 106-94 triumph over the Golden State Warriors on April 14.

Elton Brand led six Clippers in double figures with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Quentin Richardson and Jeff McInnis had 17 apiece, and Corey Maggette added 16 points as Los Angeles shot 58 percent (42-of-72), including an astounding 72 percent (26-of-36) in the first half.




nba.com