NBA Playoffs: Spurs Rally to Defeat Short Handed Suns, 88-85

Shawn Marion finished with 24 points and 17 rebounds for the Suns.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PHOENIX - In a game that evolved from a potential blowout to an intense nail-biter, it was Bruce Bowen who supplied the final fireworks.

Bowen's 3-pointer with 36.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter Wednesday gave his team its first lead since midway through the first quarter and propelled San Antonio to an 88-85 win in Phoenix and a 3-2 series advantage.

In a game with plenty of pregame hype after the suspensions of Amaré Stoudemire, Boris Diaw and Robert Horry, the Suns started hot and seemed poised for an easy victory after limiting the Spurs to their lowest first-half point total of the season to build an 11-point edge.

Shawn Marion supplied Phoenix with 20 points and 11 rebounds before the break.

But the second half was a different story.

Manu Ginobili scored 22 of his 26 after intermission, and San Antonio closed the game on a 17-6 run to snatch a crucial road win late in the series.

Marion finished with 24 and 17, while Steve Nash scored 19 and added 12 assists.

Ginobili also had 10 rebounds. Tim Duncan finished with 21points and 12 boards.

Game 6 tips off Friday in San Antonio. Game time is set for 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.

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