Streaking Suns defeat Raptors 123-105
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-31 13:07

Amare Stoudemire scored 19 of his 27 points in the third quarter and the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight with a 123-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Phoenix outscored Toronto 46-26 in the third quarter, the most points the Raptors have allowed in any quarter in their 10-year history.

Toronto Raptors, from left to right, Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall and Chris Bosh react on the bench near the end of their 123-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns in NBA action in Toronto on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005. [AP]

Shawn Marion added 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Suns, who went 4-0 on their four-game road trip.

Steve Nash had 19 points and 12 assists as all five Phoenix starters scored at least 17 points. Nash, playing in his home country, didn't play in the fourth.

The Suns led 104-72 going into the fourth.

Chris Bosh tied a career high with 27 points for the Raptors, who have lost three straight. Jalen Rose added 21 points.

Toronto suspended point guard Rafer Alston for two games earlier in the day for his conduct at practice a day before.

Phoenix has averaged 123 points in six games since Nash returned from a thigh injury. Stoudemire has shot 69 percent from the field (69-for-100) since Nash returned. He shot 34 percent in the previous three games, when the NBA's assists leader was sidelined.

Phoenix never trailed after Nash assisted on Quentin Richardson's four-point play with 7:23 left in the first quarter. Nash capped a 14-2 run with a 3-pointer, giving Phoenix a 10-point lead.

Stoudemire picked up his third foul early in the second quarter and played just seven minutes in the first half, but he scored six straight points to start the second half and capped a 14-4 run with a hook shot, giving Phoenix a 20-point lead.

Stoudemire converted a three-point play to make it a 29-point lead with 4:45 left in the third. Nash recorded his 12th assist on the dunk.

Phoenix led by as many as 34 points in the third. Toronto never got closer than 18 points the rest of the way.

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