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While O'Neal recovers, Suns look to stay atop West

Feb 8, 2008 - 1:33 PM Seattle (13-36) at Phoenix (34-15) 9:00 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- It is unclear when Shaquille O'Neal will see the court again. Until that time, the Phoenix Suns will try to maintain their status as one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

In the wake of one of the most controversial trades in franchise history, the Suns will strive to avoid just their third two-game losing streak of the season when they host the streaking Seattle SuperSonics.

On Wednesday, Phoenix dealt forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for O'Neal in a quest to address the lack of size in their front line and allow forward Amare Stoudemire to move to his more natural position of power forward.

At debate is whether the aging 14-time All-Star will slow down the frenetic Suns offense and if Phoenix gave up too much for a player who appears to be on the decline. Of course, O'Neal welcomes the doubt and scrutiny.

"I've been hearing a lot of, 'He can't run and he can't do this.' You're going to be very surprised," O'Neal said. "I'm very upset. You just don't really want to get me upset. When I'm upset, I'm known to do certain things - like win championships."

O'Neal, who has missed 14 games this season due to a hip injury, was in attendance for the Suns' 132-130 double-overtime home loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

Steve Nash had 32 points and 12 assists while Stoudemire added 26 points and a season-high 20 rebounds, but the Suns, minus Marion and Banks, allowed a last-second game-winning jumper to the Hornets' Peja Stojakovic.

After a 14-game losing streak from December 31-January 27, the Sonics have won four of their last five, including home wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. Their latest win - a 105-92 victory over the Sacramento Kings - snapped their 10-game road skid.

Point guard Earl Watson had his first career triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the win.