The Phoenix Suns showed their last time out that they have more than just a high-powered offense.

Now, they'll be looking to continue their recent success against New Orleans when they visit the Hornets on Saturday.

The Suns (17-6) avoided a third straight loss on Wednesday, beating Utah 103-98. Phoenix scored seven points fewer than its league-leading season average and shot just 23.5 percent from the 3-point line, matching its second-lowest percentage of the season.

However, the Pacific Division-leading Suns held their opponent under triple digits for the first time in 10 games. They are allowing an average of 104.7 points per game this season.

"This how we have to win," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Some really good things happened, and it started on the defensive end. I thought the energy was there the whole night."

The Suns hope for a similar effort Saturday as they try for their seventh straight win against the Hornets (14-9). Phoenix, which has also won six straight road games in the series, has won 11 of 12 overall against New Orleans and held the Hornets under triple digits in 11 games over that span.

Phoenix is 10-3 on the road, where it plays six of its remaining eight games this month, but lost 100-93 at Minnesota last Saturday in its last game away from home.

Aside from an improved defense, Phoenix also got to show off its toughness in what became a physical game against the Jazz. Steve Nash had 29 points and 11 assists - and conducted a live interview with ESPN - despite taking a forearm and chipping his tooth late in the first half.

"In some ways, it's exactly what the doctor ordered," Nash said. "I think it showed us a lot of positives. We're a good team. We're capable defensively. We've got to play with that energy and intensity that we played with tonight against everybody."

Shawn Marion had 26 points and 15 rebounds for the Pacific Division-leading Suns, who bounced back after dropping two in a row for just the second time this season.

"Since he can guard at least three or four guys at the same time, it helps because you don't have to guard a whole lot else," D'Antoni said of Marion.

The Hornets are coming off Friday's 89-80 loss in Dallas. Chris Paul scored 22 points and Tyson Chandler had 15 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, which has dropped its last two games, both on the road.

"We made too many mistakes," forward David West said. "You hold that team to 89 points, that should be enough to win."

The Hornets are returning for one game at home, where they have won three of four and are just 6-5 this season.

Reserve Melvin Ely missed Friday's game after fracturing his left eye socket in Wednesday's 105-99 loss in Denver, but Morris Peterson (back) and Peja Stojakovic (groin) both returned after missing two games.