Suns Vs. Rockets: Phoenix Downs Houston, 112-105, To Move Closer To Playoff Spot

Suns Vs. Rockets Final Score: Phoenix Stays Within Sight Of Playoff Spot With Victory

The Phoenix Suns picked up a huge win on Friday night in the pursuit of a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. They defeated the Houston Rockets, 112-105. The victory still has them outside of the top eight spots in the conference, but they are now just one game out of the final spot, which the Rockets occupied following the loss.

The Rockets had jumped out to a 28-21 lead after the first quarter, and entered halftime with a four-point lead, 55-51. Things went wrong in the third quarter though, as Houston managed to score just 14 points. The Suns won that part of the game, 30-14, making its five-point fourth quarter deficit matter little.

The Suns received 20 points and 15 rebounds from Marcin Gortat, while Steve Nash put in 18 points and 10 assists for Phoenix's other double-double of the night. Jared Dudley scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Michael Redd and Sebastian Telfair combined for 25 points off the bench.

Goran Dragic led the Rockets with 22 points and seven assists, but he committed five fouls and four turnovers. Marcus Camby scored 14 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Luis Scola added 21 points while Chase Budinger and Kyle Lowry came off the bench for a combined 24 points.

The Suns remain on the road for a Saturday contest against the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets travel for a Sunday contest against the Denver Nuggets.

For more on the Suns, be sure to check out Bright Side of the Sun. For news and views from a Rockets perspective, visit The Dream Shake. Stay with SB Nation NBA for more news and notes as we approach the playoffs.

Suns Vs. Rockets: Phoenix Puts Playoff Hopes On Line In Houston

The Phoenix Suns have a difficult road ahead to make the NBA Playoffs. A loss on Friday night to the Houston Rockets certainly wouldn't help their chances at a postseason berth.