Suns beat Knicksin D’Antoni’s return

Mike D’Antoni got a warm welcome in his return to Phoenix, but frigid long-range shooting doomed his New York Knicks in a 111-103 loss to the Suns on Monday night.

Steve Nash, whose career flourished in D’Antoni’s four seasons as Phoenix coach, scored 21 points, including a game-clinching three-point basket with 28 seconds to play.

D’Antoni, who left the Suns after last season, saw his run-and-shoot Knicks make only five of 37 three-point shots.

All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, with Shaquille O’Neal getting 23 points and 12 rebounds. Amare Stoudemire had 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Suns, who topped 110 points for the fourth game in a row.

The crowd gave D’Antoni a long, loud standing ovation when he was introduced as Knicks coach before the game. The cheering didn’t stop until the lights were turned out for the introduction of the Suns.