Phoenix (48-23) at Toronto (26-45) 7:00 pm EST
TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns try to push their winning
streak to four straight against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
With a win, the Suns can improve to 2-2 on their five-game road
trip after starting the trek on a sour note. Phoenix dropped
its first two contests by an average of 30 points, but rebounded
to earn a 114-104 triumph over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.
The Suns held the Pacers to 35 percent (15-of-43) shooting in
the first half as they took control of the contest early. Shawn
Marion scored 29 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out
six assists.
James Jones added 18 points and reigning MVP Steve Nash
collected 15, 13 assists and eight boards for Phoenix, which
held a 34-10 advantage in fast-break points.
With 11 games remaining on the schedule, the Suns are virtually
locked into the second seed in the Western Conference playoff
standings.
The Raptors suffered their second straight setback, a 98-94 loss
to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Morris Peterson had a
team-high 28 points and Mike James added 19 points and 12
assists for Toronto, which tallied just 37 points in the second
half.
In the first meeting this season, Marion's 28 points and 18
rebounds helped Phoenix to a 90-82 victory on November 22.





