Bodog Beat

Steve Nash’s double-double led the Suns. (AP Images)

Shaquille O’Neal took a while to get revved up for the Phoenix Suns but the Diesel finally appears to be motoring in the desert. On his 36th birthday, Shaq threw down 14 points and grabbed 16 boards as the Suns beat the San Antonio Spurs, 94-87, in Phoenix on Sunday. The Suns, who had dropped three in a row at home, dominated the defending champions down the stretch, outscoring San Antonio 14-2 in the final 3:40.

Steve Nash had 19 points and 14 assists to provide a perfect complement to Shaq’s toughness inside. Phoenix is now 4-6 with O’Neal in the lineup. The Suns beat the point spread, which favored San Antonio by two.

In other NBA action on Sunday:

Chicago 116, Detroit 109: Chauncey Billups just keeps putting up unreal games. This time, the Pistons’ guard dropped 34 points on the Bulls in Auburn Hills, Mich. Rip Hamilton added 23 for the Pistons, who were favored by nine.

Toronto 114, Seattle 96: Anthony Parker's 23 points led the Raptors at home, where they were favored by 11.5 even though Chris Bosh was still out with an injury.

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