NBA: Phoenix 114, Houston 109

PHOENIX, April 2 (UPI) -- Matt Barnes gave Phoenix a four-point lead with 18 seconds left Wednesday and the Suns held on to defeat Houston 114-109.

The Suns let an 11-point halftime lead get away, but came through with a much-needed victory that kept them within four games of Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both Dallas and Phoenix have seven games remaining.

Houston slipped a half game behind San Antonio in the battle for the Southwest Division title.

After Barnes gave the Suns a 113-109 advantage by making two free throws, Houston missed two shots and committed a traveling violation to wipe out its hopes. Steve Nash made a free throw with 4 seconds left to account for the final score.

Nash had 25 to lead the Suns and Grant Hill made 10-of-13 shots from the field while scoring 23 points. Shaquille O'Neal added 22 and 10 rebounds.

Houston was paced by Ron Artest with 28.