--G Jason Richardson started the season with a two-game suspension and a scoreless effort in a loss to Orlando. But in the last three games, Richardson has led the Suns in scoring all three times and averaged 28.3 points over that span. Three days after going 6-for-7 on 3-pointers Friday in Boston, he was 6-for-8 in Philadelphia and has 16 3-pointers in the last three games.

"I think Jason Richardson has found his niche on our team," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "He wasn't with us in training camp last year, but I think he knows that when he gets going for us we will find a way to get him the ball."

--F Jared Dudley continues to give the Suns great production and a boost of energy off the bench. Dudley scored 18 points Monday on 6-for-7 shooting and added five rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes. He also was one of the best defenders on a night when defense was just a rumor.

His play earned him time on the floor down the stretch as the Suns went with Dudley and three guards (Leandro Barbosa, Steve Nash and Jason Richardson).

"If you're going to be a really good team, you have to have a defense and we kept trying," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "We finally got Leandro Barbosa and Jared Dudley in there and had kind of a good combination, and that's what we finished with."

--F Amar'e Stoudemire continues to round into shape. He's still not 100 percent, but he's helping the Suns win. Stoudemire struggled from the field (6-for-14) but contributed 17 points and six rebounds on a night with fouls were an issue. He played a team-high 40 minutes, which was a good sign, but his interior defense left something to be desired.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Robin Lopez (broken foot) is back on the court but has not been cleared for practice. His foot will be X-rayed again when he returns to Phoenix, and he is still on track to return at the end of the month.