Suns’ Streak Hits 9 in Best Start in 24 Years

Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson scored 21 points apiece, and the Phoenix Suns -- off to their best start in 24 years -- won their ninth in a row with a 120-101 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

The Suns’ NBA-best record of 13-2 is their best start since they were 14-2 in 1980-81.

San Antonio 105, Philadelphia 72 -- Tim Duncan had 24 points, 12 rebounds and six blocked shots while sitting out the fourth quarter at San Antonio in helping the Spurs tie their best start after 16 games at 13-3.

Seattle 129, Utah 119 -- Ray Allen scored a season-high 38 points, including nine in overtime, and the SuperSonics overcame Carlos Boozer’s career-high 36-point effort at Seattle.

Boston 101, Milwaukee 100 -- Paul Pierce argued with Coach Doc Rivers after being removed with 4 1/2 minutes to play, but returned and made a key three-point shot with 2 minutes 40 seconds left for the host Celtics. Pierce had 23 points.

Minnesota 107, Golden State 99 -- Sam Cassell had 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists at Oakland as the Timberwolves used a 9-0 fourth-quarter run to win their third in a row.

Orlando 129, Toronto 108 -- Steve Francis had 23 points, and the host Magic posted the NBA’s highest-scoring effort of the season.

Sacramento 94, New Orleans 81 -- Brad Miller had 24 points at New Orleans to lead the Kings to their fourth road victory in a row.

New York 90, Memphis 82 -- Stephon Marbury had 26 points, including five three-point shots in the second quarter, to lead the host Knicks.

Washington 95, New Jersey 68 -- Gilbert Arenas had a season-high 30 points at Washington as the Wizards won in Coach Eddie Jordan’s return after his Thanksgiving hospitalization because of a blood clot in his left leg.

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Mike Fratello is expected to be named coach of the Memphis Grizzlies today, replacing Hubie Brown, who resigned last week, ESPN.com reported. Former Warrior coach Eric Musselman is expected to become his top assistant.... Denver Nugget forward Rodney White pleaded guilty to charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition and agreed to 100 hours of community service to have a third charge dropped over his Sept. 5 arrest in Washington for allegedly shooting into the air.