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Suns beat Mavs in outdoor game at Indian Wells

Oct 10, 2010 - 4:47 AM INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Grant Hill scored 16 points and the Phoenix Suns held off a furious fourth-quarter rally to beat the Dallas Mavericks 98-90 on Saturday night in the third edition of the NBA's outdoor exhibition game at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

On a warm night with game-time temperatures near 90 degrees on the floor of the tennis facility, the Suns broke it open with a 36-point third quarter for an 86-64 lead. The Suns made 13-of-21 shots in the period, defying the game's reputation for poor shooting.

Both teams shot 39.5 percent from the floor on a windless night, but the Mavericks fell behind by hitting just 31 percent (12 of 39) in the first half.

Steve Nash added 15 points for the Suns, who had five players in double figures.

Jose Barea scored 13 for Dallas, followed by Caron Butler with 12.

Mavericks star forward Dirk Nowitzki sat out, saying he was concerned the outdoor conditions could hurt his jump shooting just before the regular season begins.

The Mavericks also were without coach Rick Carlisle, who did not accompany the team on the trip from Dallas after fainting during practice Friday. Assistant coach Dwane Casey served as interim head coach.