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Bell, Suns set franchise record with 16th straight win

Jan 27, 2007 - 5:29 AM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- When the Phoenix Suns' remarkable winning streak was in danger, Raja Bell came to the rescue.

Bell scored 27 points and nailed a huge 3-pointer down the stretch to hold off a furious fourth-quarter comeback as the Suns set a franchise record with their 16th consecutive victory, a 98-90 triumph over the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks.

Surpassing their 15-game streak from November 20-December 19, the Suns have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA. Their franchise-best string gives them 32 wins in their last 34 contests.

"We're proud of the streak and proud of what we've done. It's really a tribute to these guys," D'Antoni said. "Phoenix hadn't done this (at least 15 in a row) in its history, and we've done it twice this year."

Up by 10 points with 4:43 left, Phoenix let Milwaukee back into the game. The Bucks went on a 9-3 run to pull within 93-90 with 1:34 remaining and had the ball with a chance to tie. But rookie Ersan Ilyasova's shot was blocked by Suns forward Shawn Marion as time expired on the 24-second clock.

"Our defense played well down the stretch. We just didn't hit shots early, but we grinded this one out," D'Antoni said.

Bucks guard Charlie Bell admitted his teammate made a poor decision to drive at Marion on the crucial possession.

"They're a great team, and they came up with a stop when they needed it," Charlie Bell said. "Ersan didn't shoot the shot when he had it, but we're going to stick with him so that he hits that shot next time."

On the ensuing possession, Nash drove to his left and drew three defenders before dishing to Raja Bell, who drained a shot from the arc with 20 seconds remaining to make it 96-90. Milwaukee would not get any closer.

"I thought we gutted it out," D'Antoni said. "Raja was hitting the threes, but we're glad to get out of here (with the win)."

Raja Bell was 10-of-18 from the field, including 7-of-11 from long range, for the Suns, who shot just 43 percent (37-of-87) from the floor but were 11-of-28 from the arc.

Nash collected 18 points and 16 assists and Marion added 11 and a season-high 23 rebounds.

"Offensively, (Raja Bell) was hitting from everywhere, and Shawn was a beast out there," D'Antoni said. "He did it so quietly, so Shawn."

Charlie Bell scored 21 points for Milwaukee, which shot 41 percent (36-of-88) and continues to play without injured starters Michael Redd and Mo Williams.

"They're a great team with a lot of athletes over there," Bell said. "Every time you come down and make a shot to try and get the crowd into it, they come back, make one pass, two passes and make a (3-pointer) to take the wind out of your sails.

"It's tough because you can always take something positive out of it. We played the Suns down to the wire, but we can't keep taking moral victories out of these. We're desperate for a win."