Nash Delivers Triple Treat for the Suns

If Steve Nash needed any more proof that he deserves to be the NBA’s most valuable player, his show-stopping performance Wednesday night ought to do it.

The Sun point guard had 34 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists -- his third career triple-double and first in the playoffs -- and Phoenix used a fourth-quarter outburst to beat the Dallas Mavericks, 114-108.

“We came into tonight’s game trying to cut off some of his passing angles,” Dallas Coach Avery Johnson said. “We did not follow the game plan, and they just shredded us, shredded us to pieces. I am so disappointed right now.”

One more victory over his old team, and Nash and the Suns will advance to the Western Conference finals. Phoenix took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven conference semifinal series, with Game 6 on Friday night in Dallas.

“I expected them,” Nash said of his many open shots. “They weren’t upset with the 48 points [in Game 4]. I was prepared to do the same thing. As one of the best shooters on the team, I have to shoot when I’m open.”

Jim Jackson, starting for the injured Joe Johnson, made seven of eight shots in the fourth quarter for 15 of his 21 points. Amare Stoudemire rebounded from his 15-point performance in Game 4 with 33 points and a career-playoff high 18 rebounds. He had 21 points and 12 rebounds in the second half.

Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points and 10 rebounds for Dallas, which led, 55-48, at halftime. Jerry Stackhouse had 29 points off the bench.

But no one could match Nash, who had 22 points in the second half and reached a triple-double with 6 1/2 minutes left.

Nash was on the bench, though, for a quick breather when Jackson took charge with three baskets in a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter.

The surge put Phoenix ahead, 85-77, with 9:22 to go and Dallas never got closer than four again.