Spurs at Suns
THE STORY: An anticlimactic finish will mark Phoenix’s season finale after the Suns were eliminated from playoff contention in a 100-88 loss at Utah on Tuesday. San Antonio already has secured the No.1 playoff seed in the West and likely will be facing the Jazz in the first round. The dates of the series will be announced on Thursday by the NBA. Not that it should matter Wednesday, but the Suns are 12-4 at home since All-Star break.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE SPURS (48-16): Tim Duncan wouldn’t predict how coach Gregg Popovich might set his lineup for the team’s two remaining games. “Obviously, we don’t want to go into a game (and) somebody gets hurt from some silly play,” Duncan said. The Spurs have won six games in a row against the Suns. Duncan’s average of 22.1 points in 54 career games against Suns is his most against any NBA opponent. The Spurs also have won eight consecutive games, with an average margin of victory of 20.8 points.
ABOUT THE SUNS (33-32): While the Suns are out of the playoffs, tonight could be Steve Nash’s final game with the team. He becomes a free agent this summer and reportedly wants a three-year deal. “We didn't deserve it tonight,” Nash said. “Without Channing (Frye) and Grant (Hill), it was just too much to ask.” Frye sat out against the Jazz because of a shoulder injury and Hill (right knee) might have played his final NBA game. The Suns had beaten Utah seven consecutive times.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Tim Duncan (12,531) is 15 rebounds away from surpassing Charles Barkley for 17th on the all-time list.
2. The Spurs are 18-2 since Boris Diaw’s arrival. His former team, Charlotte, is 0-20 in that span.
3. Phoenix forward Jared Dudley is averaging just 6.7 points against the Spurs this season, his fewest against any West opponent.