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Stoudemire, Suns look to burn Sonics

Mar 19, 2008 - 1:52 PM Phoenix (44-22) at Seattle (16-51) 10:00 pm EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) - Amare Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns are likely looking forward to facing the struggling Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday.

Seattle, which has lost eight straight, suffered a 168-116 loss to Denver on Monday - the worst loss in franchise history. The 168 points were the third most ever in a regulation game, and the most since the Suns scored 173 in a win over Denver on November 10, 1990.

It was the low point of the season for SuperSonics, who are doing a fine job of making it easy for fans to let go of the team.

While the City of Seattle has stated it hopes to retain the team, the Sonics' owners already have sent a letter to Oklahoma City's mayor, formally announcing their intent to move the team there as early as this year.

"We are a young team and we do not know how to win," Sonics guard Earl Watson said. "That is something we need to learn quickly or we will get embarrassed. Our opponents could care less what our situation is as a team."

Things don't get any easier for the Sonics, considering the Suns average a league-best 110.0 points. Stoudemire led the way with 25 points in a 111-98 win over Portland on Tuesday.

Shaquille O'Neal had one of his best games with 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Phoenix improved to 8-6 since acquiring him from Miami on February 6.

The Suns, who are one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers (46-21) for the top spot in the Pacific Division, have not won six straight since November 9 - 23.