Phoenix Suns Steve Nash (13) shoots against the defense of Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki during Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference finals in Phoenix, Arizona May 30, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua)-- Raja Bell came back as a surprise starter Tuesday when the Phoenix Suns trounced the Dallas Mavericks, 106-86, in Phoenix to even the Western Conference finals after four games.

    Leandro Barbosa from Brazil poured in 24 points to lead Phoenix while Bell had a solid defensive effort in his return and added 9 points. Steve Nash had 21 points and seven assists and Boris Diaw contributed 20 points and nine rebounds.

    Dirk Nowitzki, who came into the game averaging 28.4 points in the playoffs, was limited to 11 on 3-of-13 shooting.

    Bell had missed the last two games of the series with a left calf injury, and even though he had only nine points, it was his defensive prowess that helped carry the Suns.

    Shawn Marion ended with 15 points and eight boards for Phoenix, which used a huge second half run to pull away. The Suns shot 54.4 percent from the field, including a 10-for-13 effort from Barbosa.

    Dallas' Josh Howard scored 16 points, but tweaked his left ankle in the fourth quarter. Jason Terry and Adrian Griffin each added 13 points for the Mavericks, who suffered a setback in their quest to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

    Dallas held the Suns to 88 points in a Game 3 victory Sunday night in Phoenix, but the Mavericks didn't have an answer for the solid defense of Bell and the up-tempo style.

    Game 5 will be played in Dallas on Thursday. Enditem