Nash celebrates 38th birthday in style
Published: February 08, 2012 @ 9:03am
Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash, right, puts up the game-winning shot against Milwaukee Bucks' Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12) and Drew Gooden, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Milwaukee. The Suns won 107-105. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
When you get into your late 30s, the special nature of a birthday wears off. It sadly becomes just another day at the office for most adults, possibly with a few cards, a cake and a present or two.
Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, who turned 38 on Tuesday, did his best to fight off those late-30s birthday blahs while spending his special day in Milwaukee.
The day started with a singing telegram from a bright pink gorilla and a serenade from rookie Markieff Morris at a team breakfast, but it ended even better. Nash hit a runner off the backboard with five seconds left, lifting the Suns to a 107-105 win over the Bucks at the Bradley Center.
Milwaukee had rallied from 21 points down in the 2nd half before Nash delivered the final dagger.
Nash had 18 points and 11 assists for his 13th double- double of the season and third straight.
The veteran point guard definitely didn't show any hint that he's the 5th-oldest player in the league.
"I feel great," Nash said after the game. "I don't know what I feel like (age-wise), but I feel great and I enjoy playing."
While the Suns haven't had the team success this season they've been accustomed to since Nash signed as a free agent in 2004, it could be argued that Nash is more efficient than he's ever been. The 16-year veteran is now shooting 56% from the field, which ranks 5th in the league. Chris Paul of the L.A. Clippers is the only other guard in the top 20 of the league in that category; he's shooting 51%.
Since missing a game against Dallas on January 30 with a thigh contusion, Nash has elevated his game even more. In those five contests, Nash is averaging 17.8 points, 10.2 assists and is shooting a blistering 63% from the floor, 67% from three-point range and 100% from the free throw line.
"I think he should be on the All-Star team," head coach Alvin Gentry said. "If he's not, I'll be really disappointed. I don't know who's playing better basketball.
"He's leading the league in assists, and he was leading the league in assists when we weren't shooting the ball very good. If we were shooting the ball as well as we are right now, he'd be averaging 13 or 14 assists per game."
Nash and the Suns return home to U.S. Airways Center to play host to the Houston Rockets Thursday night.
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