--G Steve Nash might be 35, but no one asked him for his ID in the fourth quarter when he was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, scored 15 of Phoenix's 32 points and scored the winning points on a driving, twisting lay-up in the final seconds. Nash also had the presence of mind to commit a foul -- which the Suns had to give -- leaving the Clippers only 3.9 seconds to try to tie or win the game. Eric Gordon's three-point attempt never drew iron.

--F Grant Hill picked up right where he left off last season. Playing 33 minutes at age 37, Hill had many of his 19 points early to keep Phoenix close and led the team with 13 rebounds. Hill also had two assists and two steals, giving the Suns those Shawn Marion-type numbers that could be critical to Phoenix's success.

--C Amar'e Stoudemire played in his first game since Feb. 18 on the same floor where a collision with Al Thornton helped reveal the detached retina that ended his season. Stoudemire took only six shots and finished with 16 points and more turnovers (six) that rebounds (five). But he played some tough defense in spurts and held his ground in the final seconds to force Clippers guard Eric Gordon into an awkward three-point attempt just before the final buzzer.

--G Leandro Barbosa started in place of the suspended Jason Richardson and responded with a strong effort. Barbosa played 40 minutes and produced 17 points, including a clutch three-pointer to give the Suns to give the Suns their first lead of the fourth quarter with just over a minute left to play.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Robin Lopez (broken foot) is out until at least the end of November.