Bell, who averaged 22.2 points and shot 55.6 percent in the first five games of this series, shot 2-of-9 in this game. And Tim Thomas, a big factor for the Suns throughout the playoffs, was held to three points.
Maggette scored 10 points, including the Clippers' only two 3-pointers of the game during a 17-7 run to begin the fourth quarter, giving the Clippers a 105-88 lead.
"I felt some of their guys were tired," Maggette said. "I just tried to attack."
The Clippers scored six straight points for a 16-point lead late in the third quarter -- the largest of the game to that point. It was 86-70 when Barbosa made two 3-pointers and Marion another in a 70-second span to draw the Suns within seven. But that's as close as the Suns would get in the second half.
Ross scored 16 points in the first half -- one more than his previous career high in two seasons plus these playoffs.
The Mavericks-Spurs series took another wild turn Thursday, with Dallas guard Jason Terry getting suspended from Game 6 for punching former teammate Michael Finley while chasing a loose ball in the closing seconds of Game 5.
Terry and Finley jostled with 3.4 seconds left in San Antonio's 98-97 victory on Wednesday night. Terry wound up on his back, grasping the ball, with Spurs forward Manu Ginobili forcing a jump ball by getting a hand on it, too.
While officials were sorting things out, Finley was visibly angry and had to be restrained by teammates. He appeared to be making a fist and telling his teammates that someone had punched him.
Nothing was called at the time and neither team mentioned the incident during postgame interviews. NBA vice president Stu Jackson said "clearly, something happened," so it was reviewed early Thursday. Jackson said broadcast footage doesn't show the punch, but it was obvious when viewed from other angles. He also interviewed both players before handing down his ruling.
"There was no option here," Jackson said. "The rule is very clear cut. If you throw a punch, whether it connects or not, that will get you an automatic one-game suspension."
Terry left practice without speaking to reporters before the punishment was announced. He later missed his local radio show, but called in and said: "I just want to apologize to the team and the organization and the fans. This is definitely a sad situation. But, hey, life goes on. We've got to deal with it."
The Mavericks lead the series 3-2. They have another chance to advance to the conference finals in Game 6 at home Friday night.
If the Spurs win, Game 7 would be Monday night in San Antonio.
Terry already had been sharing point-guard duties with Devin Harris since Game 2. Jerry Stackhouse likely will fill the vacancy in the starting lineup.
Terry is averaging 17.9 points in the playoffs, second on the club behind Dirk Nowitzki.



