PLAYER NOTES:

--G Raja Bell remained out of sync early against the Hornets after shooting only four times and scoring just four points in San Antonio. Bell missed his only two attempts of the first half -- when he played just 10 minutes -- before finally getting on the board with a three-pointer. So often the emotional compass for the Suns, Bell finally showed a pulse with a 10 of his 13 points in the third quarter -- hitting a pair of three-pointers and finishing a rare fast break with a lay-up. But every Suns rally was met by a New Orleans counter-attack, usually featuring the three-pointer.

--F Amare Stoudemire, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds, said he was "extremely amped and ready to play," but didn't feel that emotion was shared. "Our fans came anticipating it. We just have to come with the energy as a collective group and be ready to take on teams that are supposedly superior."

--G Steve Nash, playing 36 minutes in the second of back-to-back games, led the Suns with 24 points and added nine assists. But he also led the turnover parade with seven including a string of three straight that snuffed out any chance for a rally down the stretch.

--F Boris Diaw had a second straight productive night off the bench, collecting 10 points (on 4-for-5 shooting), five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes. He and Grant Hill assume much of the ball-handling responsibilities when rookie Goran Dragic replaces Steve Nash at point guard.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Alando Tucker (hamstring, knee) is out for at least the first three games of the season after being unable to get through practice this week. Tucker has struggled with the injury, which began as a cramp in his calves and has spread to his hamstrings and is now creating soreness in his knee.