Phoenix (4-4) at San Antonio (7-2) 8:30 pm EST
SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns feel their magical
season was cut short a little too soon last spring by the
San Antonio Spurs.
The defending NBA champion Spurs host the Suns on Saturday for
the first time since ousting Phoenix in five games in the
Western Conference finals.
After leading the league in scoring (110.4), three-point
shooting percentage (39.3) and posting the best record (62-20)
last season, the Suns surrendered 100 points to the Spurs in all
five games and avoided a sweep by capturing Game 4.
Amare Stoudamire led the Suns in scoring in all five games -
averaging 37 points for the series - but is out until midseason
after undergoing knee surgery.
Eddie House scored a career-high 31 points and Leandro Barbosa
added 18 for Phoenix, which won for the second time in six home
contests with Friday's 102-94 triumph over the Utah Jazz.
San Antonio remains one of the most difficult places for
opponents to play. Coming off a 38-3 home record in the regular
season last year, the Spurs have won all four contests in the
SBC Center this season.
Tim Duncan scored 19 points and Tony Parker added 17 Thursday as
San Antonio posted an 86-80 victory over the Houston Rockets,
despite scoring a season low in points.





