Marion, Nash Lead Suns Past Bucks

[NYHC GIANT]

PHOENIX, March 1 (Ticker) -- Shawn Marion continued to burn things up for the Phoenix Suns.

 

Marion had 29 points and 18 rebounds and Steve Nash was his normal spectacular self as the Suns extended their winning streak to eight games with a 123-110 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

Named the NBA's Player of the Month for February earlier Wednesday, Marion entered with 105 points and 57 rebounds in his previous three contests. The four-time All-Star and former Olympian had reached at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in each of those games.

Marion was given a chance to reach 30 points again when he was sent back in by coach Mike D'Antoni with the contest well in hand with 1:52 remaining. However, he managed to just split a pair of free throws with just over a minute left.

 

Nash, the reigning NBA MVP, also ran roughshod over the Bucks, collecting 23 points and 13 assists en route to his 32nd double-double.

 

Boris Diaw made all eight of his shots and scored 16 points before fouling out for the Suns, who took control in the first half, when they shot 63 percent (27-of-43) from the field and built a 62-50 lead.

 

Outgunned by Marion, Nash and the rest of the Suns, Michael Redd scored 37 points to pace the Bucks, who completed a 2-1 road trip.