The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets took turns leading for about 45 minutes on Friday night. It was the final three that doomed the Suns. In what was a very tough loss for Phoenix, the team faltered down the stretch and fell to Denver by a score of 105-99 on the road.
With 3:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, Steve Nash hit a jumper to take a 98-97 lead. That would be the final basket of the evening for the Suns, who would be outscored 8-1 in the final three minutes. Nash had a fine performance with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but it just wasn't enough against a talented Nuggets team.
Marcin Gortat added nine points and 14 rebounds, while Shannon Brown led Phoenix with 18 points. Michael Redd continued to play well off the bench, scoring 15 points in just 16 minutes.
Aaron Afflalo had a huge night scoring 30 points while going 11-for-19 from the field, while Al Harrington had 13 off the bench. Denver turned the ball over just five times and recorded 24 assists.
The Suns are now 28-27 this season and have yet another game on Saturday evening against the Lakers. Tipoff from U.S. Airways Center is set for 7 p.m.
For more on the Suns, be sure to check out Bright Side of the Sun.