NBA 2009 - 2010 : Phoenix uses Defense to beat Portland

My Phoenix Suns is not really known for defense but the way they zoned out the Portland Trailblazers in the fourth quarter proved to be the key as they win 93 - 87 and strengthen their playoff seedings.

When I tuned in the Suns were staying with the Blazers in a highly defensive third quarter. So, I flicked over to some other TV program. It was the fourth quarter when I returned, Dudley scored 8 points, Nash found Grant Hill on the fast break twice and the Suns were up by 8 with a little over four minutes to go.

Brandon Roy scored on traffic to cut the bleeding after a Camby free throw. Hill answered back with two free throws to put Phoenix up by 7, 88 - 81 with a less than two minutes.

Stoudemire added a free throw with more than a minute to go. Roy attacked the inside and netted a foul from Hill, knocking in two free throws to move the Blazers closer in 6, 89 - 83.

Nash throws the ball away but the Blazers failed to connect a three on the break. Batum scored a free throw. Suns call for time with only 34.5 ticks to go.

Suns turned the ball over with another 8 sec back court violation to give hope to the blazers. Roy scores on a 3 to cut the lead to 2, 89 - 87.

Batun then fouls Nash iwith 19.5 seconds left. But Nash extends the lead to four by taking care of the free throws.

Suns once again showed their improved defense as they denied Roy the ball. Miller forced a three and Hill finished them off with two free throws, 93 - 87.

Sidelight: Nash displaying his soccer skills, to bring the ball to the referee during in bounds. Phoenix wore LOS SUNS on their uniforms.