The Suns (14-19) scored first -- via a 25-foot Channing Frye three-pointer -- and maintained a lead for a majority of the game, save for a minute-long stretch in the third quarter when the Wizards (7-25) battled back for a very brief one-point advantage.
Unlike in recent games (and pretty much most of this strike-shortened season), the Suns quickly recovered from blowing the lead and proceeded to outscore Washington 31-6 during the remainder of the period.
The Wizards haven't beaten the Phoenix in six years and they certainly weren't going to do it last night, not with four of the starting five for the Suns (as well as a couple bench players) racking up the points and scoring in double figures.
Marcin Gortat had 20 points, Michael Redd topped out with 14 points, Steve Nash racked up 12 points, (as well as 11 assists and 7 revounds), and Frye had 11 points. Channing was also big on the opposition's glass, notching 9 defensive rebounds, as were Nash and Gortat with 6 apiece.
Wielding a 24-point advantage going into the fourth quarter, the Suns cruised to an easy win as Washington never got within seven points of reclaiming the lead.
Phoenix has one more game before taking a break for All-Star Weekend in Orlando, where only Nash will be playing in the big game (albeit as a reserve). The Golden State Warriors (12-17) visit US Airways on Wednesday night and hopefully the Suns will be in the mood to stomp all over another weaker team. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620-AM. For tickets and info, visit www.suns.com.
