Suns hand Hawks first loss of season

By Bud L. Ellis

Sunday, the Phoenix Suns found a way to do something that hadn’t happened so far in the first week and a half of the NBA season:

Beat the Atlanta Hawks.

It wasn’t easy, as an 11-point Phoenix lead evaporated down the stretch. But the Suns hit their free throws in the final minute, downing the previously unbeaten Hawks 118-114 in Atlanta.

Phoenix, now 3-3 on the season, came into the game after a grueling double-overtime victory Friday at Memphis. But the Suns had their legs under them against the Hawks, shooting 55.6 percent.

Jason Richardson paced the Suns with 21 points, sparking an offense that featured six players in double figures. Steve Nash scored 19, including some big free throws down the stretch. Jared Dudley came off the bench with 15 points.

Phoenix now experiences an oddity of the schedule, traveling back to Memphis for another game against the Grizzlies on Monday.

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Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 7:39 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Jared Dudley, Jason Richardson, Memphis Grizzlies, National Basketball Association, Phoenix Suns news, Phoenix Suns schedule, Phoenix Suns tickets, Steve Nash