Sensational Steve Nash sinks a game winner as Phoenix Suns take down Utah Jazz 107-105: NBA Recap
Steve Nash was once again the hero for the Phoenix Suns as he hit a game winning, running shot with seconds to go in the game, to give the Phoenix Suns their third consecutive victory.
The Suns defeated the Utah Jazz 107-105, here at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. Nash had almost cost the game to the Suns when he fouled Paul Millsap after the latter had stolen the ball from him. With 34 seconds left in the game, Millsap only made 1 of the 2 free throws and later, Nash more than made up for his mistake by hitting a dagger.
The game was a closely contested one, with 20 lead changes and 10 ties. The score was tied after the 1st quarter and Phoenix led by only 2 at half time. Phoenix had an 8 point lead in the 3rd quarter at one point early, but Utah kept at their tail, reducing their lead immediately and later coming within 3 of Phoenix. The quarter ended with Phoenix leading 83-80.
Phoenix were leading 100-91 with 04:13 remaining in the game when Utah went on a 7-0 run. C.J. Miles hit a jump shot followed by 5 straight points from Millsap, including one free throw, to make the score 100-98 to Phoenix. After Channing Fyre knocked down a three, Millsap made another jumper and then split a pair of free throws.
With Phoenix leading 103-100 and 51 seconds left in play, Nash made a costly mistake when he lost the ball to Millsap. He then committed a clear path foul on Millsap to send him to the free throw line.
Millsap, however, only made one of two free throws and Utah retained possession of the ball. Al Jefferson then sunk a jump shot to tie the score at 103. Nash made a jump shot and Jefferson returned the favour to keep the score tied at 105. With seconds left in the game, Utah deflected a pass on Phoenix’s possession. Nash regained possession and drilled a running jump shot to give Phoenix a 107-105 win.
The Suns had a balanced offensive night with 7 players scoring double digit numbers. Michael Redd led the Suns with 19 points while Nash had 9 assists and 13 points. Marcin Gortat was 7 of 10 from the field with 14 points.
Paul Millsap led the Jazz scoring with 25 points on 9 of 15 shooting from the field, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Miles had 22 while Gordon Hayward finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Phoenix Sun’s bench outscored Utah’s reserves 46-20.
With the win, the Suns surged ahead of Utah in the Western Conference and very close to clinching a playoff spot. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
"I think to be over .500 right now we've overachieved. We are gaining confidence and we believe that we can keep winning. The spirit is good. Guys are sticking together and playing hard” said Steve Nash of his team’s improved performance in the recent games.
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