SEATTLE, April 17 (UPI) -- Playoff-bound Phoenix never led Wednesday night in an 84-70 loss at Seattle that completed the NBA regular season for both teams.
While the Sonics go home, Phoenix (44-38) will play San Antonio in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs beginning this weekend. It scored a season-low 13 points in the first quarter, tied a season low with 31 at halftime, and never looked competitive in its final regular season game.
"It was a tough game to play," said Penny Hardaway, who scored two points and played only 24 minutes. "I think everyone was playing not to get injured instead of playing hard like we needed the game. As soon as we have our first practice and start to prepare for the Spurs, our intensity will click back on."
With their intensity clicked off, the Suns shot just 1-of-11 from three-point range, and trailed by as many as 24 points.
Phoenix lost back-to-back games to close out the season after beating San Antonio, 92-85, on Sunday.
"We're looking forward to the playoffs and a chance at the best team in the West," said Suns Coach Frank Johnson. "We'll be ready to meet that challenge."
Seattle allowed only 73 points to Phoenix on two occasions, including on March 24.
"The season as a whole was disappointing, but I'm very pleased with how we played at the end of the year," said Seattle Coach Nate McMillan, whose team went 18-12 in its last 30 games. "We have the potential to be a very good team next year and expect to make the playoffs."
Ray Allen scored 19 points and rookie Reggie Evans grabbed 10 rebounds for Seattle.
The Suns got 21 points from Joe Johnson off the bench as Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion scored just two points apiece. Both of the Suns' All-Stars played sparingly to avoid injury.
