Phoenix 120, New Orleans 103

Steve Nash returned from a one-game absence to finish with a season-high 30 points and 10 assists as the visiting Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Hornets 120-103 on Wednesday night.

Marcin Gortat had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns, while Channing Frye added 16 points and Jared Dudley 15.

Nash, who missed the Suns' previous game with a bruised thigh, became the franchise's all-time assists leader in the third quarter. He entered the night seven shy of surpassing Kevin Johnson’s record (6,518).

Greivis Vasquez led seven players in double figures with 20 points for the Hornets, who weren’t able to capitalize on a hot first half in losing for the 12th time in 13 games. Jason Smith scored 16 points and Trevor Ariza had 15.

Vasquez’s 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave the Hornets their final lead at 95-94. The Suns followed with five straight points, going ahead 95-91 on Ronnie Price’s layup and free throw.

The Suns answered another Vasquez 3-pointer with a 13-0 run, as Nash’s 3-pointer gave the Suns a comfortable 108-94 edge with 5:09 to play.

The Hornets shot a blistering 59.5 percent in the opening half while assisting on 20 of their 25 made baskets to take a 59-56 lead into the break.

• New Orleans will play their next game on the road against San Antonio. The Hornets have a W/L % of .400 after a win and .118 after a loss.
• Phoenix will play their next game on the road against Houston . The Suns have a W/L % of .286 after a win and .429 after a loss.