Nets 108, Suns 95: Deron Williams rode a hot-shooting performance to a game-high 28 points as host Brooklyn won for the eighth time in 10 games.

Williams shot 11-of-13 from the floor while knocking down three 3-pointers for the Nets, who climbed within three games of idle Toronto atop the Atlantic Division. Joe Johnson added 19 points, Mason Plumlee had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Shaun Livingston contributed 12 points.

Markieff Morris had 18 points in a reserve role for the Suns, who ended their three-game East Coast road trip with a thud. Gerald Green added 17 points as Phoenix shot just 6-for-22 from beyond the arc and 15-of-28 from the free-throw line.

Armed with a double-digit halftime lead, the Nets steadily increased it throughout the third quarter, riding back-to-back Shaun Livingston layups to a 21-point bulge and going into the fourth ahead 90-72. Phoenix didn't get closer than 12 points the rest of the way, as Williams reeled off Brooklyn's first 11 points of the period - capped by a 3-pointer with 5:47 remaining.

Williams and Pierce poured in seven points apiece and Brooklyn shot 70 percent from the field en route to a 30-20 advantage after one quarter. The Nets kept the pressure on in the second, getting a Joe Johnson 3-pointer with 4:22 remaining to quell a Phoenix surge and back-to-back baskets from Williams in the final 31 seconds to carry a 62-49 edge into the break.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Nets head coach Jason Kidd told reporters prior to the game that PF Kevin Garnett (back spasms) will be re-evaluated Saturday. Garnett hasn't played since Feb. 27. ... Brooklyn improved to 32-2 when leading after three quarters. ... The Nets' starting five outscored their Suns counterparts 83-41.