Denver Routed by Blazing Suns

Phoenix had no trouble putting a controversy surrounding Amare Stoudemire to rest, opening with a 46-point first quarter and making shots from all over the court in a 137-115 win against Denver. Shawn Marion had 27 points, including five of the Suns' 20 successful three-point baskets, reports the Arizona Republic. The Nuggets appeared worn down as they played their fourth game in five nights.

Allen Iverson scored 32 points for Denver but was overshadowed by the Suns' onslaught, which included 23 points from Marcus Banks and 20 by Grant Hill. Phoenix came back from a five-point loss against New Orleans Saturday and a missed practice by Stoudemire Sunday. "It's how you respond to adversity that defines who you are," said Phoenix GM Steve Kerr. (More basketball stories.)