By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Phoenix Suns just dealt the Miami Heat its worst losing streak of the NBA regular season so far after taking them down in an inter-conference battle, 118-105, last January 30, 2024.
With another defeat, the Heat just suffered its seventh consecutive loss since January 18, 2024, and is yet to re-enter the NBA winning column for nearly a month.
After trailing by five points midway through the first quarter, Phoenix quickly turned things around with their waxing-hot shooting to retake the advantage heading to the second frame, 33-25.
The Suns then just steamrolled its way to a dominant basketball display after outscoring the Heat in the next two quarters, 67-49.
Despite Miami’s late fightback in the final canto, the Suns put up timely baskets in the final five minutes of the game to maintain their double-digit lead and bounced back from back-to-back losses against the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic.
It was Phoenix’s balanced attack that proved to be too much for the Heat as six players reached the double-digit scoring mark.
Leading the way for the Suns is veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon who dropped 23 big points alongside five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
This is Gordon’s highest scoring output since tallying 27 markers against the Houston Rockets last December 28, 2023.
Devin Booker also recorded an all-around performance after contributing 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and a block while Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal chipped in 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Phoenix’s crisp ball movement was also a key to their win as they tallied a total of 30 assists compared to Miami’s 20. The Suns also dominated the paint area after outscoring the Heat by 14 points in the shaded lane.
Jimmy Butler did all that he could after top-scoring the Heat with 26 points on 7/12 shooting from the field but superstar center Bam Adebayo only produced eight points in 35 minutes of playing time.
Miami will look to end its horrendous losing streak on February 1, 2024, as they take on the Sacramento Kings in their home court.
