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Nash seeks another double-double when Suns meet Timberwolves

Feb 23, 2007 - 3:32 PM Phoenix (41-13) at Minnesota (25-29) 8:00 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- With two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Steve Nash back in form, the Phoenix Suns are getting back to normal.

Nash looks to lead the Suns to their third straight victory following a three-game losing streak Friday as they attempt to avenge last month's defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The league leader in assists (11.8), Nash sat out four games prior to the All-Star break with a shoulder injury. The Suns lost three straight during his absence.

Since his return, Nash has posted consecutive double-doubles in victories over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday and the Boston Celtics the following night.

Phoenix looked impressive in Wednesday's 118-108 triumph over the Celtics. All-Star Amare Stoudemire scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Leandro Barbosa added 26 points and Nash 14 with 13 assists.

Despite dropping 13 of their last 18 contests since January 15, the Timberwolves are still in the playoff hunt. They are one-half game in back of the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Hornets for eighth place in the Western Conference.

Minnesota is coming off Wednesday's 100-95 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. All-Star Kevin Garnett scored 22 points with 11 rebounds and Mike James had 17 for the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves ended the Suns' 17-game winning streak with a 121-112 victory on January 29. Garnett scored 44 points for Minnesota, while Raja Bell led Phoenix with 26.