Chicago: Two-time MVP Steve Nash, battling back spasms, out-duelled young point guard Derrick Rose to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-105 win over the Chicago Bulls and their eighth successive victory on Tuesday.
Nash scored 22 points and made 10 assists, including the pass to Channing Frye's go-ahead three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to give the Suns a 106-103 lead. Nash then found Grant Hill for a dunk and added two free throws to clinch the win.
"We've had a great run and we're just holding our own," Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We are playing really good basketball as a team. We have been closing out games lately."
Rose, last season's Rookie of the Year, scored Chicago's final eight points and finished with 23 and 10 assists. He twice seized the lead for his team in the final three minutes and tied the game 103-103 on two free throws with 59 seconds remaining.
Guard Kirk Hinrich also injured his ankle when he stepped on a teammate's foot in the second quarter and did not return.
