The Suns raced out to an 18-point lead at the end of the first period before holding on for a 106-98 home victory over the Clippers on Friday. The win marks their third straight, putting Phoenix seven games above .500 for the first time this season.

Although the game never seemed in doubt and teetered on becoming a blowout, the Suns were unable to slam the door shut on the struggling Clippers, bringing a slight feeling of dissatisfaction to Suns Head Coach Terry Porter.

“I’m happy about the win, but obviously I’m disappointed about the way we closed that game out,” Porter said. “We got other guys in that locker room that work their butt off in practice and try to get an opportunity at getting playing time, but guys just didn’t do a great job at finishing out that game the way they should. The game shouldn’t have been a situation where we had those guys (starters) on the floor the last few minutes of the game.”

Although Porter expects more from his ballclub, he has to be encouraged by some signs displayed in the first half. The ball movement was fluid and the perimeter players seemed to get into a rhythm both offensively and defensively. The one player who didn’t get involved was Shaquille O’Neal, who still ended up with 17 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Amar’e Stoudemire led the attack with 23 points and eight boards, while Jason Richardson chipped in 15. Steve Nash returned to the lineup to contribute nine points and 11 assists.

Since the trade that sent Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to Charlotte, Porter has been looking for a third post player to insert into the rotation. In the last couple of contests, reserve Louis Amundson has demonstrated an infectious energy that may have earned him that spot.

After registering a career-high 10 points and eight caroms, Amundson followed up that outing with nine points and five rebounds tonight. The 6-9 forward is becoming a fan favorite with his hustle and boundless effort.

“Lou was great,” Porter said. “He did a great job of doing what he does, (providing) energy, rebounding, keeping the ball alive and finishing around the basket.”

The lone area that the UNLV grad may need to improve upon is his foul shooting, going 1-for-6 from the line against the Clippers. When suggested that he should consult the miraculously-improved O’Neal in that area, Amundson responded jokingly, “Yeah, I’m going to go to him for some tips.”

Besides getting more comfortable with their rotation, the Suns can take away the fact that they still have room for growth before they reach their ceiling as a team. All of the tools are in place, now it’s just a matter of execution.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Ok, so 2009 has dawned and the inevitable question ensues. What resolution is it going to be this year?

Spend more time with the family? Trim a bit of that holiday waistline? Read more Suns.com?

All noble pursuits, but with the frenetic nature of life, does anyone take the time to reflect on what they want to improve about themselves? Or, better yet, make a concerted effort to change a habit? Well, some of the Suns did. And here is what they are:

Goran Dragic: To finish college. The rookie point guard has to pass just two more exams before he graduates from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia with a degree in economics.

Coach Terry Porter: To be a better husband and a better father. “I’d like to have a three-day golf marathon this year, but I don’t see that happening.”

Dee Brown: Brown doesn’t believe in resolutions. “I never do that,” he said. “Every day, every minute and every month I want to be a better person, a better dad or a better player. Every day you should try to improve.”

Jared Dudley: “Probably work harder off of the court,” the second-year forward said. “Since I’m used to playing 20-plus minutes a night and now I’m not playing as much, on my free days I need to come in here to practice, stay diligent, eat right and work out harder.” And as far as in his personal life, Dudley would like to grow closer with his girlfriend and his family.

Shaquille O’Neal: “To win the whole thing.”

DIESEL-POWERED

Much has been made of the Suns lacking their potent offensive style that has been their signature the past couple seasons. With the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal, many thought that Phoenix would slow down its tempo and therefore accrue fewer points. But when the Suns involve “The Big Cactus,” the numbers say otherwise…

In the last seven games, O’Neal has averaged 24.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a game while shooting 61.5 percent from the floor and 64 percent from the line. It is no coincidence that in the last 10 contests – where the Suns are 7-3 – Phoenix is averaging 109.3 points a game. The offense has scored over 110 points six times and over 100 nine times in that span. In the first 20 games, the Suns only reached 110 points three times and 100 points six times.

So it appears that Terry Porter’s desire to take advantage of the big fella down low was prescient. The value of having an offense that can run from the post to the perimeter was never more apparent than in the Suns’ last two games. With Steve Nash sidelined with back spasms, Amar’e Stoudemire missing virtually the entire second game with two technical fouls and erratic shooting from the wings, the club relied on the offensive production of O’Neal.

Against Oklahoma City, Shaq posted 28 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. He then followed that outing by giving the Grizzlies 24, 13 and three. Although he didn’t accumulate a bevy of assists, O’Neal was deft at passing out of double-teams, providing shooters with open looks. Those who question whether bringing O’Neal to the Valley was a smart idea should ask how a Nash-less Suns would have fared against those two teams without “The Diesel.” It seems that a high-octane attack can run on diesel.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT

Forward Louis Amundson on combining his inspired play with his penchant for riding his bicycle to the arena, "I am trying to get a bike deal."

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