• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Bucks desperate to end epic slide in Phoenix

Dec 9, 2008 - 11:37 AM Milwaukee (9-13) at Phoenix (12-9) 9:00 p.m. EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Milwaukee Bucks' losing streak in Phoenix has brought new meaning to futility.

The Bucks on Tuesday try to earn their first win on the road against the Phoenix Suns since 1987 when the teams meet at US Airways Center.

Milwaukee has lost each of its last 20 games in Phoenix with its last victory here coming during a 115-107 win at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on February 21, 1987.

The Bucks are only 4-9 away from home this season and opened a three-game road trip with a 105-92 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Milwaukee's starters combined for only 18 points and coach Scott Skiles benched them in the third quarter as the team suffered its fifth loss in seven games after forging back-to-back victories.

The Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 106-104 victory against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, improving to 5-5 at home to start the campaign.

Amare Stoudemire, who poured in 22 points and added a season-high 20 rebounds, buried a short jumper in the lane with 20 seconds remaining and Steve Nash added a pair of free throws one possession later to seal the victory for Phoenix.