D'Antoni loses in return to Phoenix

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni is greeted by Steve Nash in D'Antoni's first visit to Phoenix since he left for New York. (PAUL CONNORS/Associated Press)

Mike D'Antoni came back to Phoenix to a warm reception, then watched a familiar player nail down the Suns' 111-103 victory over his New York Knicks.

Steve Nash, whose career flourished in D'Antoni's four seasons as Phoenix coach, scored 21 points, including a game-clinching 3-pointer with 28 seconds to play.

"He put the dagger in us at the end," D'Antoni said, "but I've seen that a thousand times. I knew it was going to happen. It didn't surprise me."

D'Antoni's run-and-shoot squad was just 5 of 37 on 3-pointers. The attempts tied a franchise record set earlier this season, a mark destined to be broken again in D'Antoni's freewheeling system.

Shaquille O'Neal had 23 points, making 11 of 18 free throws, and 12 rebounds. Amare Stoudemire added 21 points and 14 boards for the Suns, who topped 110 points for the fourth game in a row.

The crowd gave D'Antoni a long, loud standing ovation when he was introduced as Knicks coach before the game. The cheering didn't stop until the lights were turned out in preparation for introduction of the Suns.

Nuggets 98, Mavericks 88 - Reserve J.R. Smith scored 25 points, Carmelo Anthony added 23, and visiting Denver beat Dallas to extend the Nuggets' winning streak to four games.

Chauncey Billups had 15 points and eight assists for the Nuggets, who have won seven of eight.

Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Terry scored 19 points for the Mavericks.

Denver opened the fourth quarter with a 12-0 spurt, including 8 from Smith, for an 87-71 advantage. The Mavericks never got closer than 8 the rest of the way.

Kings 118, Timberwolves 103 - Francisco Garcia scored 21 points, John Salmons added 17, and host Sacramento beat Minnesota in the Kings' first game under interim coach Kenny Natt.

A few hours after the Kings fired Reggie Theus and replaced him with Natt, the veteran assistant coach presided over one of Sacramento's best efforts of the season.

Al Jefferson scored all of his 22 points in the first half for Minnesota. The Timberwolves dropped to 0-5 under Kevin McHale, who replaced Randy Wittman last week.

Hawks 83, Bobcats 79 - Joe Johnson scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half to rally host Atlanta past Charlotte, extending the Bobcats' losing streak to seven.

Next up are the Celtics, who beat Utah to win their 15th straight game.

Bucks 98, Heat 83 - Michael Redd scored 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter, and visiting Milwaukee started quickly before holding off a late rally to beat Miami.

With Dwyane Wade (15 points) struggling early for the third consecutive game, the Heat scrambled to find points. Wade, who began the game leading the NBA in scoring, finished 5 for 16 from the floor. Miami has lost three straight.

Nets 94, Raptors 87 - Vince Carter had 20 points and 10 rebounds, as visiting New Jersey beat Toronto to snap a three-game losing streak.

Pacers 118, Wizards 98 - Danny Granger scored 27 points to as visiting Indiana beat Washington to snap a six-game skid.

Magic 109, Warriors 98 - Jameer Nelson scored 23 of his career-high 32 points in the second half, and visiting Orlando beat Golden State for the Magic's fourth win in five road games.