Nene blocked the first attempt, but no one blocked out Q. at the buzzer.

ESPN Boxscore Web: Suns win 9th straight (via ESPN.com) Next game: Denver at Seattle, Wed @ 8:00MT

Nuggets lose on tip-in at buzzer

Quentin Richardson’s tip in at the buzzer helped the Phoenix Suns edge the undermanned Denver Nuggets 107-105.

The Nuggets playing the hottest team in the NBA, without their starting Center Marcus Camby (bronchitis) and Small Forward Carmelo Anthony (sprained left ankle) could have given up, but they made the game entertaining.

The play of Andre Miller was pivotal in this game. He took charge of this game as he dueled against Steve Nash, who arguably is the top point guard in the NBA. Miller not only slowed Nash, he also led the Nuggets offensively with 23 points and 11 assists. Miller dominated the match up of the point guard with his first double-double of the season and also forcing Nash into six turnovers. Even with a sub par game Nash had his ninth straight double-double with 22 points and 11 assists. Nash had two early fouls that kept him out most of the first as the Nuggets made their run to go ahead 32-28 after the first.

Another big match-up was Amare Stoudemire versus Nene, both players were selected in 2002 draft (Nene seventh and Stoudemire ninth). Nene, starting in place of Camby, did a marvelous job on Stoudemire, Rookie of the Year in 2002. Even though Stoudemire had 32 points and nine rebounds, many of Stoudemire’s points were from the outside, fastbreak or from the free throw line. When he did score down low it was either when Nene was out of the game or he had to make a move or two to get by Nene. Nene had his first double-double of the season with 19 points, 10 rebounds and was four assists shy of a triple-double, with six assists. He also recorded three steals and two blocks.

Again the third quarter killed the Nuggets. After they had the lead at halftime 54-53, the Suns were able to get a run started in third led by Stoudamire’s ten points.

Greg Buckner and Bryon Russell did a good job replacing Anthony’s points. Buckner scored 12 points, ten in the first. Russell scored 14 points and had six assists; he also knocked down four three’s, which kept the Nuggets in the game.

With the tough loss the Nuggets are on a three game losing streak as they go to Seattle to take on another hot team, the Seattle Supersonics. The Sonics are 18-5 overall and 10-2 at home.

Game Summary written by: jmaness

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