• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Shaq channeling younger years

Jan 29, 2009 - 11:21 AM San Antonio (30-14) at Phoenix (25-18) 10:30 p.m. EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Shaquille O'Neal is feeling better than he has in years. That's bad news for the San Antonio Spurs.

O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns go for their third straight win on Thursday when they host the Spurs.

The 36-year-old center, O'Neal has put up All-Star caliber statistics despite playing in only 36 games this season in an effort to save his body for the second half and playoffs.

O'Neal had played on consecutive days just twice before suiting up for the Suns' most recent set of back-to-backs. After a pair of vintage performances, "the Diesel" could be around much longer.

"I feel like I can play three or four more years," said O'Neal, now in his 17th season. "I've got a new medical staff that does stuff that I haven't really had before. As you can see, I'm moving left, I'm moving right, I'm running, I'm jumping, I'm dunking, I'm getting up and hanging on the rim and getting techs, and I haven't felt this good in about two years."

After posting 19 points and 11 rebounds during a five-point victory in Atlanta on Sunday, O'Neal recorded 29 and eight boards in 36 minutes, shooting 10-of-14 from the field and 9-of-10 at the free-throw line during Monday's 103-87 drubbing against the Washington Wizards.

San Antonio will have to contain O'Neal if it plans on earning its sixth win in seven games.

Tim Duncan flirted with a triple-double during Tuesday's 106-100 victory over the Utah Jazz, registering 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.