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Shaq, Duncan square off when Suns visit Spurs

Apr 9, 2008 - 3:33 PM Phoenix (52-26) at San Antonio (53-24) 9:30 pm EDT

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns acquired Shaquille O'Neal in the hope - among other things - that he would be able to limit Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

O'Neal looks to accomplish that mission for a second time Wednesday when the Suns visit the Spurs.

The showdown could have major postseason ramifications, as the Spurs trail the first-place New Orleans Hornets (54-23) by only one game in the Western Conference standings.

Phoenix is sixth but is just 2 1/2 games behind the Hornets. Both the Spurs and Suns already have clinched postseason berths.

The 36-year-old O'Neal, who was acquired from the Miami Heat earlier this season, scored 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead Phoenix to a 94-87 victory over San Antonio the last time the teams met on March 9.

Duncan scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds but made just 6-of-19 shots from the field while battling against O'Neal's swarming defense.

"A lot of teams have size in the West, and we added size, let alone a guy with championship experience," former MVP Steve Nash said following the victory.

"That is kind of why we (made the trade for O'Neal)," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It is different."

Amare Stoudemire collected 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists Tuesday to lead the Suns to a 127-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

After having their eight-game winning streak snapped during a 26-point loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday, the Spurs responded with a 72-65 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.