Nash Is a Big Hit in Dallas Return

Steve Nash made the strange walk to the visitors’ locker room, relieved at having his first game against the Dallas Mavericks out of the way. And thrilled with how it turned out.

Nash scored 17 points and had 18 assists, many setting up Amare Stoudemire’s 34 points, leading the Phoenix Suns past the Mavericks, 107-101, on Tuesday night at Dallas.

“I can’t think of a more emotional game that I’ve had than this one,” said Nash, who left Dallas as a free agent in the off-season. “I didn’t have any tears, but I was definitely nervous. I think it’s just natural. There were so many memories here.”

Nash’s assists were the most this season in the NBA, topping the 17 he had in an overtime loss at Cleveland last Wednesday. It also was one shy of his career best. The only downer was that he also had 10 turnovers.

The locals didn’t hold a grudge. “Thanks Steve” and “Welcome Back Nash” were among the signs waved by fans, and there were plenty of kids wearing his No. 13 Dallas jerseys.

Jerry Stackhouse had 21 points for Dallas, which lost center Erick Dampier (strained hip) and guard Jason Terry (sprained ankle).

Minnesota 108, Miami 97 -- Kevin Garnett had 25 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists as the Timberwolves led by as many as 22 points in a victory at Minneapolis.

Dwyane Wade, after sitting out the last two games because of a sprained left ankle, scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half for the Heat. Shaquille O’Neal had 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Utah 107, Charlotte 105 -- Raja Bell made a three-point shot with 18 seconds left and sank two free throws with 15 seconds to go to help the Jazz overcome a 22-point, first-half deficit at Charlotte, N.C.

Carlos Boozer led Utah with 34 points. Keith Bogans led Charlotte with a career-high 28.

Seattle 103, Philadelphia 95 -- Ray Allen had a season-high 37 points at Philadelphia to lead the SuperSonics to their seventh victory in a row.

Allen Iverson had 26 points for the 76ers, whose three-game winning streak ended.

Atlanta 88, Houston 84 -- Antoine Walker had 20 points at Atlanta as the Hawks rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 6:11. Yao Ming had 27 points on 13-of-15 shooting for the Rockets.

Sacramento 113, Chicago 106 -- Peja Stojakovic scored 29 points, Mike Bibby had 27, and the Kings kept the Bulls winless with a victory at Sacramento. Eric Piatkowski had 24 points for the Bulls (0-5), who dropped to 0-33 on their annual November trip West the last six seasons.

San Antonio 99, New York 81 -- Tim Duncan had 17 points and keyed a 13-4 third-quarter run to help put the game away at San Antonio.

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Toronto Raptor forward Vince Carter was informed by the NBA that he no longer can listen to music on his iPod during the 20-minute warmup period before games. The league called it a violation of rules on proper attire.