A collapse by New Orleans led to a 112-95 beating by Phoenix, increasing the pressure on the New Orleans coach. Bob had to suffer through the game as his players were ineffective and his former fans were heckling. To make matters worse, the team was dominated by hated Phoenix, a bad thing for any New Orleans coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of New Orleans losing ways. While New Orleans deny it, rumors about that they have already started a search for a new coach who can turn this franchise around.

It was just more fuel for the fire today when Phoenix took New Orleans behind the woodpile for a 112-95 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Phoenix win, many people believed the New Orleans certainly had the talent to knock them off. Judson did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Mercer led the Phoenix to victory.

"You hate to see somebody with Bob's character go through this. It's just a sad sight," commented Phoenix coach Bob. "We're obviously delighted to get the victory over such a worthy adversary in a big rivalry game like this, and all I can do is credit my players, my assistants, and our fans."

Phoenix was led by Mercer (10 points, 7 boards, 14 assists, 5 steals), Velazquez (26 points, 1 assists, a block), Worrel (21 points, 9 boards, 0 assists). New Orleans was led by Judson (20 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 2 blocks), Newby (20 points, 5 boards, 0 assists), Morse (15 points, 4 assists).

Phoenix jump to 2-1. They hold at #3 in the Pacific and advance to #6 overall in the Western Conference. New Orleans drop to 1-3 and 1-2 at home with today's loss. They stay at #5 in the Southwest and hold at #14 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Phoenix roster New Orleans roster