updated 11:23 a.m. ET May 23, 2006

PHOENIX - Steve Nash’s aching back was a whole lot better, and that led to a painful night for the Los Angeles Clippers in the biggest game in that franchise’s mostly sorry history.

With Nash back in MVP form — 29 points and 11 assists — and 3-pointers falling like a welcome desert rain for Phoenix, the Suns routed the Clippers 127-107 on Monday night to advance to the Western Conference finals for the second year in a row.

Game 1 is Wednesday night in Dallas.

Nash, 2-for-18 on 3s in the previous five games as he struggled with a chronically bad back, was obviously feeling better after three days of rest and treatment.

“With the help of our training staff I was able to overcome some physical problems I’ve had and I did feel a lot better tonight,” Nash said.

Nash was 4-of-5 on 3s.

“When he made that first 3-pointer,” the Clippers’ Corey Maggette said, “I knew we were in for a long night.”

Nash made 11 of 16 shots, twisting his way to layups and moving with much more energy than in recent games.

So was the rest of his team.

Seven players were in double figures for the Suns, who shot 60 percent overall and made 15 of 27 3-pointers.

Shawn Marion had 30 points — including 5-of-9 3s.

“Everybody was stepping up tonight. Everybody was knocking down shots,” Marion said. “I don’t care. I could have had five points and if we win, that’s all that matters.”

Leandro Barbosa added 18 points, Tim Thomas 16 and Boris Diaw 14. Raja Bell and James Jones scored 10 apiece.

“We played close to what we wanted to do for a while,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said, “but when they shoot the 3-pointer the way they shot tonight, I don’t know who can beat them.”

CLIPPERS VS. SUNS Suns win series 4-3 Game 7: Nash carries Suns in to West finals Wilbon: Tough to beat playoffs Interactive: Past playoffs' defining moments Day-by-day, series-by-series schedules

Elton Brand capped a magnificent playoffs with 36 points and nine rebounds, and Corey Maggette added 18 points for the Clippers, who won a playoff series for the first time in 30 years and despite the loss shed their perennial loser image.

“It was a coming out party for myself and teammates,” Brand said. “We’re only going to get better. We’ve got a lot of young guys on our team that are going to improve.”

They were the second Los Angeles team to lose decisively in a Game 7 in Phoenix in these playoffs. The Suns beat the Lakers 121-90 in Game 7 of their first-round series 16 days earlier.

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