Nash Scores 31 in Suns’ Victory

Steve Nash scored a season-high 31 points, including a career-high seven three-point baskets, and the well-rested Suns beat the tired Indiana Pacers, 109-91, Wednesday night at Phoenix for their fourth straight victory.

The Suns, idle since Friday, have the NBA’s longest current winning streak, and held an opponent under 100 points for the sixth straight game.

“Now, we’re showing teams we can play defense,” said Shawn Marion, who added 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Last season, Phoenix was the worst team on defense in the NBA, allowing 103.3 points a game. During the six-game stretch, the Suns are allowing 88.3.

The Suns never trailed in the first half, and an 18-7 run over the final 4:31 of the first quarter gave them a 35-17 lead

Jermaine O’Neal had 25 points for Indiana, which was playing its third game in four nights.

Golden State 113, Sacramento 106 -- Jason Richardson scored a season-high 33 points and Baron Davis added 25 and 16 assists at Oakland to lead the Warriors (11-6) to their best start since winning 12 of their first 17 games in 1991-92. They also won 11 games in November for the first time since their championship season in 1974-75.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 24 for the Kings.

New Orleans 102, Denver 95 -- Desmond Mason scored 21 of his season-best 26 points after halftime at Denver to lead the Hornets past the Nuggets, playing without Carmelo Anthony (ankle injury) and Coach George Karl (suspended).

Karl was suspended two games without pay by the NBA for criticizing officials after a loss to New Jersey on Monday.

Assistant Scott Brooks replaced him. Marcus Camby scored 16 for Denver.

Miami 96, Atlanta 74 -- Jason Williams scored 21 points to help the Heat earn their first road victory of the season without Shaquille O’Neal.

Miami, which began a five-game trip, is 1-4 on the road since losing O’Neal to a sprained ankle. It plays nine of its next 11 on the road and O’Neal is not expected back on the trip.

Zaza Pachulia had 17 points for Atlanta.

Memphis 92, Toronto 66 -- Damon Stoudamire scored 19 points at Toronto and the Grizzlies never trailed and led by as many as 29 points in sending the Raptors to their sixth straight loss.

Chris Bosh had 15 points for Toronto, which fell to 1-15 and was booed off the court at halftime, at the end of the third quarter and at the final buzzer.

Boston 110, Philadelphia 103 -- Paul Pierce finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics went on a late 9-1 run to beat the 76ers at Boston despite Allen Iverson’s 40 points.

Detroit 93, New Jersey 83 -- Richard Hamilton had 30 points and the Pistons tied a team season high with 10 three-pointers in a victory at East Rutherford, N.J., in which their starters scored 87 of their points. Vince Carter scored 27 for the Nets.

New York 109, Chicago 101 -- Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 28 points at New York and the Knicks won by making 45 of 57 free throws to the Bulls’ 18 of 25. Ben Gordon had 28 points for the Bulls, who had a four-game winning streak ended.

Washington 96, Portland 89 -- Gilbert Arenas had 28 points and five assists at Washington and the Wizards used a 10-0 third-quarter run to beat the road-weary Trail Blazers, who concluded a 2-5 trip. Darius Miles led Portland with 21 points.

Seattle 104, Charlotte 94 -- Ray Allen scored 32 points and Rashard Lewis added 27 points and 10 rebounds at Seattle to help the SuperSonics end a three-game losing streak. Primoz Brezec led the Bobcats with a season-high 21 points.