Suns rally for win over Nash and Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers’ Steve Nash (10) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX, Arizona – Michael Beasley scored a season-high 27 points, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute, as the Phoenix Suns rallied for a 92-86 NBA victory Wednesday over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns’ victory spoiled Steve Nash’s return to Phoenix, his first game there since he was traded from the Suns in the off-season.
The victory may have been doubly damaging for the Lakers as center Dwight Howard departed in the fourth quarter with a painful right shoulder.
Howard had grabbed an offensive rebound and tried to make a shot when he was fouled by Shannon Brown, who struck his right arm.
Howard, who missed three games in January with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, clutched his shoulder and left the court.
Beasley added six rebounds and five steals, while Marcin Gortat recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns, who had lost two straight and were tied for last in the Western Conference going into the game.
Kobe Bryant fell one assist shy of his fourth straight game with double-digit assists. He led the Lakers with 17 points but missed a potential game-tying shot with 23 seconds remaining as the Lakers squandered a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.
The game was the first stop in a seven-game road-trip for the Lakers. They haven’t won away from the Staples Center since December 22.
