Suns Send a Message With Easy Victory

Shawn Marion figures it’s about time the Phoenix Suns were recognized as a legitimate contender in the West.

“We’re good, man,” he said. “Everybody keeps overlooking us.”

Marion, emerging as a star in his second season, had 17 points and 16 rebounds Wednesday night as the Suns never trailed in a 103-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Jason Kidd had 17 points and nine assists as the Suns won their third in a row.

Mario Elie, a starting guard for Phoenix, broke his left hand in a collision with Marion while going for a rebound in the first half. He will be sidelined three to four weeks.

“It was a good game, but I still feel like we’re just scratching the surface,” Phoenix Coach Scott Skiles said. “We need to play with this type of effort every night, and it will be fun. Good things will happen.”

Derek Anderson scored 26 to lead the Spurs.

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Sun guard Penny Hardaway will be charged with threatening and intimidating his girlfriend while carrying a gun at his side, a prosecutor said in Phoenix.

The misdemeanor charge will be filed today, Paradise Valley city attorney Andrew Miller said.

Hardaway is accused of intimidating Latasha McCray outside his home Nov. 18, according to a complaint filed by the woman.

Hardaway issued a statement denying the charge.

“I have done absolutely nothing wrong,” Hardaway said.

Hardaway has not played this season while recovering from a knee injury.