Nash clutch play helps Suns edge Bulls

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-03-31 13:41

CHICAGO - Two-time MVP Steve Nash out-duelled young point guard Derrick Rose to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-105 win over the Chicago Bulls and their eighth successive victory on Tuesday.

Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash goes to the basket past Chicago Bulls' Jannero Pargo during the third quarter of their NBA game in Chicago March 30, 2010. [Agencies]

Nash scored 22 points and made 10 assists, including the pass to Channing Frye's go-ahead three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to give the Suns a 106-103 lead. Nash then found Grant Hill for a dunk and added two free throws to clinch the win.

Rose, last season's Rookie of the Year, scored Chicago's final eight points and finished with 23 and 10 assists. He twice seized the lead for his team in the final three minutes and tied the game 103-103 on two free throws with 59 seconds remaining.

The Bulls (35-39) fell 1.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.