Sacramento Kings
Amare Stoudemire showed the Sacramento Kings why he is an All-Star.
Named to his first All-Star team before the game, Stoudemire scored 22 points and blocked Brad Miller's potential game-tying layup at the buzzer as the Phoenix Suns snapped an eight-game losing streak at ARCO Arena with a 125-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Fellow All-Star Steve Nash had a season-high 33 points and 17 assists for the Suns, who won here for the first time since April 9, 2000 and improved to an NBA-best 21-7 on the road. No other team has more than 16 road wins.
The Kings appeared to take control in the fourth quarter when Peja Stojakovic hit a 3-pointer with 9:26 left for a 100-92 lead. Nash and Joe Johnson combined for 15 points in a 17-6 run over the next 4:20 to put Phoenix ahead, 109-106.
The game remained close until Nash found Quentin Richardson in the post for an easy layup over Mike Bibby to give the Suns a 124-123 edge with 16 seconds on the clock.
After Chris Webber missed a hook shot on the other end, All-Star Shawn Marion hit 1-of-2 free throws with eight seconds to go.
On Sacramento's final possession, Webber - who recorded his second straight triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds - passed to a wide-open Miller underneath the basket for what appeared to be an uncontested basket. But Stoudemire emphatically swatted the ball away as time expired.
The Kings thought Stoudemire goaltended the shot and showed their displeasure. Miller berated the referees before throwing his headband and wristbands into the stands. Webber kicked the ball into the stands.
Bibby scored 27 points for the Kings, who led by as many as 16 points in the first half.