NBA: Phoenix 140, LA Clippers 100

PHOENIX, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Alvin Gentry made his debut as an interim head coach Tuesday, directing the Phoenix Suns to a 140-100 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Phoenix replaced Terry Porter on Monday after the head coach was fired despite leading the perennial Western Conference contenders to a 28-23 record leading up to the NBA All-Star Game.

Leandro Barbosa, starting in place of the suspended Jason Richardson, led the Suns with 24 points. Amare Stoudemire added 23 points in Phoenix's highest-scoring output of the season.

Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal had 20 and 15 points, respectively.

Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 24 points.