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Stoudemire, Suns host Pistons in interconference clash

Feb 24, 2008 - 3:32 PM Detroit (40-15) at Phoenix (38-17) 2:30 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Amare Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns hope to get a better effort from the Eastern Conference this time around.

The new-look Suns welcome in the Detroit Pistons, who open a four-game West Coast trip, on Sunday in a possible NBA Finals preview.

Stoudemire scored 28 points Friday to lead Phoenix to an 85-77 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics.

"Amare is the best big man in the game right now - period, bar none," Suns center Shaquille O'Neal said. "I didn't know he was that good. But talking to him and watching him play, he's the best big man in the game at 25, and I mean that. I'm not just saying that to pump him up."

The 6-10 Stoudemire had been dominant this month, scoring at least 24 points through all eight games in February to go along with six double-doubles.

Detroit finally put an end to its post All-Star weekend slump Friday as Chauncey Billups had 21 points and 12 assists in a 127-100 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace will be counted on heavily to supply tough defense on Stoudemire, who is averaging 18.4 points and 10.9 boards in seven career games in the series.

Sunday's matchup will be the first between the two elite clubs. But Detroit has captured three of the last four meetings, with a two-game winning streak here.

The Pistons are 5-5 away from home against the West.