Suns G Nash leaves game with back spasms

Dec 30, 2008 - 6:37 AM OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash left Monday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder as his recurring back spasms flared up late in the first quarter.

The two-time league MVP did not return and is considered questionable for Tuesday's road game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I'm not sure when it started," Nash said. "I felt OK, but it started to hit me between plays and I noticed it was strange feeling. Sometimes you can warm up and start to go away, or it can start to grab and get progressively worse. I have no idea if I will be ready to go tomorrow night."

Nash, who has been extremely durable in Phoenix over the years despite back trouble, had to leave a November 20 meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter with the same ailment.

"I've had back issues throughout my career," he said. "It's generally non-existent, but once in a while it gets a little locked up like it did tonight. It's not something you can feel coming."

In nine minutes on the floor Monday night, Nash did not attempt a shot but dished out two assists. The Suns managed to survive without him, as Shaquille O'Neal collected 28 points and 12 boards en route to a 110-102 triumph.

The veteran point guard, who turns 35 in February, is averaging 14.8 points and 8.3 assists.