Shawn Marion and Victoria's Steve Nash sparked Phoenix's 43-point third quarter and the Suns rallied to beat the Sacramento Kings 111-94 on Thursday night.

After trailing by three points at halftime following a 10-point second quarter, the fast-breaking Suns (2-2) got their offence into gear in the third period and emerged with an 85-72 lead. Marion, who had only six points in the first half, scored 14 in the decisive period, capping his burst with a three-pointer just before the buzzer.

Nash, the NBA's two-time most valuable player, had 11 points and five assists in the quarter. In the period, when the Suns made the first three baskets and took the lead for good, 48-45, they shot 62 per cent (15-for-23).

Marion finished with 20 points and eight rebounds and Nash wound up with 17 points and 13 assists. James Jones added 14 points, including three three-pointers.

John Salmons led the Kings (2-1) with 15 points, Ron Artest had 14 and Ronnie Price scored 12.

The Suns used a 13-0 run midway through the first quarter to build a 32-21 advantage by the end of the period. In the quarter, they shot a sizzling 67 per cent (14-for-21), but their shooting went sour in the second period (3-for-19, 16 per cent) and Sacramento took advantage to out-score them 24-10 and forge a 45-42 halftime lead.

Artest led the Kings with 10 points at halftime, while Nash had six points and eight assists for the Suns.

The Suns' Raja Bell was charged with a flagrant foul with 8:29 remaining in the third period when he almost came to blows with the Kings' Brad Miller. They were quickly separated.

This was the first of six exhibition games in nine days for the
Kings. The Suns have only two games remaining before the regular
season opens Oct. 31.