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Surprising Bobcats set to face Suns

Nov 6, 2007 - 2:01 PM Phoenix (2-1) at Charlotte (2-0) 7:00 pm EST

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- The Charlotte Bobcats are two games over .500 for the first time in franchise history. They will look to improve that record when they host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

The Bobcats showed a willingness in the offseason to spend money to improve their team, and that philosophy is paying off in the early going.

They lavished a six-year, $57 million extension on forward Gerald Wallace and traded for Jason Richardson, who immediately became the highest-paid player on the team at over $11 million per season.

Both moves have paid dividends in the early going, as Richardson is leading the team in scoring at 2 points per game and has connected on nine 3-pointers in the first two games. Wallace has filled up the boxscores with 17.5 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

Emeka Okafor has made his presence felt on the inside for Charlotte, averaging 13.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.

The Suns appeared to find their offensive grove in the second half of Sunday's 103-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. After totaling 38 points in the first half, Phoenix turned up the offensive intensity in the second, scoring 65 points.

Phoenix played Sunday without All-Star Amare Stoudemire, who sat with soreness in his right knee. Stoudemire, who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee during training camp, is listed as day-to-day.

Steve Nash stepped up in the absence of his teammate, finishing with 30 points to go along with 10 assists.