The Phoenix Suns followed up Sunday's dominating win over the Los Angeles Lakers with another one on Monday against the Washington Wizards. Even when the young Wizards threatened to undo Phoenix in the third quarter, the Suns responded with a few strong runs and recorded their second straight win, 102-88. Steve Nash (23 points, 11 assists) and Channing Frye (19 points, 14 rebounds) led the way for Phoenix on a night that saw the Suns extend their consecutive 100-point scoring streak against the Wizards to a league-leading 18 contests, dating back to 2003.
The Suns got the best of the Wizards in both of the first two quarters, gaining a 53-48 edge by halftime. Washington reeled off a 7-1 run to begin the third quarter, taking a 55-54 lead that left Coach Alvin Gentry livid and fans everywhere wondering if this game would turn into a classic letdown.
Phoenix's starters, however, did not let it happen. The Suns capped the period with a furious 31-6 run to take control, beginning with successive baskets from each of the starting five (Marcin Gortat, Jared Dudley, Nash, Frye and Grant Hill, in that order). Michael Redd pitched in eight points- en route to his 14 point total- in the final 1:50 of the quarter to give the Suns a commanding 85-61 lead that they would not relinquish.
In total, the Suns trailed for a total of 48 seconds the entire game. That's a step up from even Sunday's win over the Lakers, when Phoenix trailed for a total of 49 seconds.
The Suns get the day off tomorrow and then face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star Break. Phoenix is riding a two-game winning streak and will play eight of its next nine games at home.