The Phoenix Suns pulled off what would have been thought impossible, playing three games in three nights, one without Steve Nash and Grant Hill, and pull off three victories. After falling behind as much as seven and playing sluggishly in the second quarter with the bench on the floor, the Phoenix Suns beat the Detroit Pistons 109-101 on Friday night.
Phoenix came out with impressive energy in the first quarter and built a 31-27 lead. However, the second quarter they did not play well and allowed 32 points, and entered the half down five.
The second half, though, despite tired legs, the Suns battled back and got a balanced scoring effort, as six players -- Grant Hill, Channing Frye, Marcin Gortat, Jared Dudley, Robin Lopez and Michael Redd -- scored in double figures, led by Dudley's 23.
Perhaps, though, the key player down the stretch was Robin Lopez, who played the entire fourth quarter and scored 10 of his 14 in the final 12 minutes.
The Suns became one of four teams -- along with the Heat, Thunder and Bulls -- to win three games in three nights. The also evened their record at 22-22 on the season. Plus, with the Lakers' win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, they passed another team and stand as the number nine seed in the West.
Channing Frye shot poorly, but had 13 rebounds and two blocked shots.
For Detroit, Rodney Stuckey led the way with 23 points.
Next up for the Suns are the Houston Rockets on Sunday, a team they trail in the playoff race.