National Basketball Association
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Phoenix 104, Minnesota 95
When: 9:00 PM ET, Thursday, March 1, 2012
Where: US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Officials: #35 Kane Fitzgerald, #38 Michael Smith, #52 Scott Twardoski
Attendance: 15071

SUNS 104, TIMBERWOLVES 95: Grant Hill had a season-high 20 points and Steve Nash nearly had a triple-double to lead host Phoenix over Minnesota on Thursday.

Hill poured in 15 of his 20 points in the second half and Nash added 13 points, 17 assists and eight rebounds to lead Phoenix to its third win in four games. The 17 helpers for Nash tied a season high.

Forward Kevin Love returned to score a game-high 23 points for Minnesota, after missing Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers because of flu-like symptoms.

The Timberwolves built a 51-46 lead at the half, But the Suns went on a 10-0 run late in the third quarter to take a 77-72 lead. Minnesota didn’t have the energy to mount a comeback, as it was playing the final game of a back-to-back-to-back.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Phoenix has won nine consecutive games against Minnesota. … Timberwolves guard Jose Barea (calf) didn’t play. … The Timberwolves shot 1 for 13 from 3-point range. … The Suns won for just the third time this season when trailing at the half (3-17).
Top Game Performances
 
Minnesota   Phoenix
Kevin Love 23 Scoring Grant Hill 20
Luke Ridnour 8 Assists Steve Nash 17
Kevin Love 10 Rebounds Steve Nash 8
Ricky Rubio 7 Free Throws Made Marcin Gortat 5
Luke Ridnour 3 Steals Markieff Morris 2
Michael Beasley 2 Blocks Channing Frye 2
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Minnesota 95 39.5 1-13 26-32 14 37 6 12 12
Phoenix 104 53.2 3-8 17-21 27 44 7 6 17
Upcoming Games
  • Phoenix will play their next game at home against L.A. Clippers. The Suns have a W/L % of .357 after a win and .476 after a loss.
  • Minnesota will play their next game on the road against Portland. The Timberwolves have a W/L % of .474 after a win and .500 after a loss.