PHOENIX (AP) — Amare Stoudemire scored 12 points in his first game in eight months, and the Phoenix Suns used a strong defensive effort to beat Partizan Belgrade 111-80 on Tuesday night in their preseason opener.
The Suns, who insist they will improve their defense this season, held the Serbian team to two field goals in the second quarter — none in the first nine minutes — and outscored them 35-15 in the period.
Goran Dragic led the balanced Suns with 16 points and Jason Richardson had 15. Jared Dudley scored 14, while Grant Hill and Channing Frye 10 apiece. Stoudemire was playing his first game since undergoing surgery to repair a detached retina Feb. 20. He played with a protective mask.
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