Suns denied historic sweep by 76ers

The Phoenix Suns’ drive toward a perfect road record against the East ended unexpectedly.

Andre Iguodala scored 24 points and the Philadelphia 76ers never trailed Wednesday night in a 99-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns, who lost on the road to an Eastern Conference team for the first time this season.

“Eastern Conference pride you know?” the 76ers’ Kyle Korver said. “Whatever’s left of it.”

The Suns won their first 14 on the road against the East, and needed one more victory against the lowly 76ers to become the first team to sweep its road games against the opposite conference. It was also the first time the Suns failed to hold a lead.

“It’s a nice accomplishment, but we expect to win,” said Steve Nash, who rolled his ankle and scored 23 points for Phoenix, playing without Shawn Marion (hand and left quadriceps) and Boris Diaw (back).

Amare Stoudemire had 31 points and 14 rebounds to lead Phoenix.

“The focus wasn’t there and we got a little sloppy at the end,” Suns Coach Mike D’Antoni said.

So the Suns matched the only other team that had one road loss against the opposite conference: The 1982-83 76ers, who went on to win the NBA title.

Miami 92, Washington 83 -- Shaquille O’Neal scored 10 of his season-high 23 points in the fourth quarter at Washington to help the Heat improve to 2-2 since Dwyane Wade dislocated his shoulder.

Gilbert Arenas had 15 points on three-of-18 shooting for the Wizards, losers of four in a row.

Toronto 106, Houston 90 -- Andrea Bargnani scored 20 points and the Raptors shot 69% (29 of 42) en route to a 20-point first-half lead in stopping the Rockets at Houston.

Tracy McGrady, returning from flu, had 22 points for Houston.

Denver 111, Orlando 101 -- Allen Iverson scored 34 points, Carmelo Anthony added 23 and the Nuggets used an 11-0 third-quarter run to open up a close game at Denver. Dwight Howard led the Magic with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Sacramento 135, Charlotte 120 -- Kevin Martin had 36 points and Mike Bibby added 30, including seven three-pointers, at Sacramento.

Playing without Ron Artest (knee), the Kings shot 63%. Gerald Wallace scored 31 for Charlotte.

New Orleans 107, Atlanta 100 -- Chris Paul had 24 points and the Hornets outscored the Hawks, 30-12, from the free-throw line at Oklahoma City. Joe Johnson scored 27 for Atlanta.

Utah 104, Memphis 88 -- Carlos Boozer finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the Jazz, which overcame a 16-point first-half deficit at Memphis, Tenn. Pau Gasol led Memphis with 28 points.

Boston 102, New York 94 -- Gerald Green scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, including seven straight after the Celtics had blown a 23-point lead, to help hold off the Knicks at Boston.

Chicago 113, Golden State 83 -- Ben Gordon had 22 points to lead the Bulls. Kelenna Azubuike had 23 points for the Warriors, who have lost 12 of their last 14 on the road.