Phoenix – Reserve Eddie House is known for his instant offense, and he provided that again for the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
House sparked a fourth-quarter Phoenix rally with nine straight points in 1:56 as the Suns won their fifth consecutive game, beating the Nuggets 102-97.
“I’m used to coming off the bench,” House said. “It’s my role, so I accept it. I just try to be ready when I’m called upon.”
House was needed and ready in the frantic final period after the Suns had squandered a 17-point halftime lead and fell behind 79-77 with 10:34 left after a 19-foot jump shot by Earl Boykins.
The speedy House then fed Kurt Thomas for an easy layup, and Thomas completed a three-point play by hitting a foul shot, putting Phoenix ahead for good, 80-79.
Then, House went to work on his shot. He hit two jumpers, a 3-pointer and capped a 12-0 run with another jumper, giving Phoenix an 89-77 lead. Following that outburst, he assisted on the Suns’ next two baskets, disdaining the opportunity to shoot despite chants of “Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!” by the Phoenix fans.
That was enough of a cushion to help the Suns withstand a late burst by Marcus Camby, who scored 14 of the Nuggets’ final 18 points. House finished with 12 points.
Shawn Marion led the balanced Suns’ offense with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Steve Nash added 21 points and 10 assists, Thomas had a season-high 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Boris Diaw scored 15.
Camby led the Nuggets, who lost their third straight game, with a season-high 33 points and 20 rebounds for his eighth consecutive double-double. Carmelo Anthony scored 22 before leaving the game in the fourth quarter after aggravating his sprained left ankle. Andre Miller scored 18 points and had 10 assists.
It was the seventh straight game Phoenix held an opponent under 100 points and was the Suns’ fifth straight home win.
It also was the third time this season House had scored eight points or more in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni had no qualms about leaving House in the game in the critical final period.
“This is not the first time he’s done that,” D’Antoni said, referring to House’s rapid-fire scoring. “I have confidence in him.”
The Nuggets were without coach George Karl, who was serving the second game of a two-game suspension by the NBA for criticizing officials after Monday night’s loss to New Jersey, and guard Voshon Lenard, who was suspended by the team for conduct detrimental to the club.
