East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - Raja Bell had a game-high 22 points, including a 6-of-6 performance from three-point range, and the Phoenix Suns crushed the New Jersey Nets, 114-86.
Shaquille O'Neal had 18 points and six rebounds for the Suns, who have won two in a row and three of four to open the season. Steve Nash had 12 points and 11 assists for the Suns, who shot 63.2 percent from the field and overcame 20 turnovers.
Vince Carter had 19 points and five assists to pace the Nets, who have lost two straight after a season-opening win at Washington. Yi Jianlian added 15 points and eight boards. Bobby Simmons and Devin Harris had 11 points each, with Harris also doling out seven helpers.
An Amare Stoudemire three-point play, followed by a three-pointer from Matt Barnes, gave the Suns an early 16-5 lead.
The Nets fought back and made it a one-possession game late in the first, though a Grant Hill jumper gave the Suns a 32-27 lead heading into the second quarter.
Phoenix then opened a 65-55 lead at the half.
The teams traded baskets and the Suns' lead hovered around 10 points. A Carter jumper and a Simmons three-pointer pulled the Nets within 80-73 with five minutes left in the third quarter.
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However, the Suns scorched the Nets and ended the stanza on a 12-4 run. Stoudemire sparked the run with a dunk and closed it out with a finger roll to send Phoenix into the final frame leading 92-77.
The Suns outscored their counterparts 19-3 over the course of the first 8:45 of the fourth quarter. Goran Dragic's layup sparked the run and Sean Singletary's jumper closed it out to give Phoenix a commanding 111-80 lead.
The game also featured the first professional matchup of the Lopez brothers - Robin of the Suns and Brook of the Nets. The duo combined for four points on 2-of-10 shooting, but they had a combined five blocks.
