The Suns led by just four points at half-time, but outscored the Timberwolves 33-20 in the third quarter to setup the comfortable win.

The Suns had five players who scored in double figures, Raja Bell (22 points), Leandro Barbosa (20 points), Nash, Shawn Marion (12 points) and Boris Diaw (11 points).

Kevin Garnett played a sole hand for the Timberwolves with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Craig Smith (14 points) and Mike James (13 points) were next best.

In Houston, Chinese superstar Yao Ming netted 32 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as the Houston Rockets pulled away late to defeat the Indiana Pacers 86-76.

The Rockets led by just two points at the last change but Yao and Tracy McGrady (20 points) stepped up to guide the Rockets to the important win.

Jermaine O'Neal (25 points) and Jamaal Tinsley (22 points) were the only players to score in double figures for the Pacers.

In other matches, the Portland Trailblazers edged past the Washington Wizards 100-98, the Utah Jazz downed the Golden State Warriors 104-100, the Denver Nuggets proved too strong for the New Jersey Nets 94-90 and the Charlotte Bobcats upset the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-100.

In more lop-sided encounters the Detroit Pistons overpowered the Philadelphia 76ers 96-75, the Dallas Mavericks thrashed the New York Knicks 92-77, the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 114-103 and the Los Angeles Clippers picked up a handy road victory 103-89 over the Chicago Bulls.

NBA results
Charlotte Bobcats 108 Cleveland Cavaliers 100
New Jersey Nets 90 Denver Nuggets 94
Detroit Pistons 96 Philadelphia 76ers 75
New York Knicks 77 Dallas Mavericks 92
Memphis Grizzlies 103 New Orleans Hornets 114
Chicago Bulls 89 Los Angeles Clippers 103
Utah Jazz 104 Golden State Warriors 100
Houston Rockets 86 Indiana Pacers 76
Phoenix Suns 108 Minnesota Timberwolves 90
Portland Trailblazers 100 Washington Wizards 98