The Miami Heat finally came to life on both ends of the floor down the stretch in their 103-97 road win against the Phoenix Suns to end their four-game losing streak.
For a second game in a row, the Heat found success early by attacking the paint with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh being aggressive and maintaining it throughout the game. Instead of their offense faltering down the stretch, the Heat responded to each Suns' run down the stretch and forced them into 22 turnovers for the game.
Bosh led the team with 34 points and nine rebounds, but a total team effort was needed to counter the Suns' hot shooting from 3-point range, in which they finished 17 of 35. Star point guard Eric Bledsoe struggled with his shot and finished with four points and eight assists, but the Suns were boosted by 55 bench points, including 13-of-18 shooting by the reserves from behind the 3-point line. Phoenix found success in the second half scoring from quick-firing 3-pointers with forward Marcus Morris scoring a career-high 25 points on 5-of-6 shooting from long range.
All five Heat starters reached double figures and were integral to the victory. Norris Cole bounced back with a solid game and showed strong defense against Bledsoe. Luol Deng started hot with nine first-quarter points and finished with 23 by moving well off the ball and scoring from close range. The team shot well from all points on the field and finished with 54 percent shooting.
Miami has now won nine straight times against Phoenix and improve to 9-0 for the season when entering the fourth quarter with a lead.
THE TURNING POINT
Phoenix made four straight 3-pointers to open the fourth quarter to take a four-point lead before Miami countered with eight straight points. Bosh later scored seven straight points in crunch time to hold off the Suns.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Wade began the game strong with eight first-quarter points but was limited later on with what appeared to be migraine issues. He was seen icing the back of his head on the bench but came through in the fourth quarter with six points, one steal and three assists in the final quarter.
STAT OF THE GAME
Miami scored a season-high 58 points in the paint compared with just 24 for the Suns.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Heat continue their road trip Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
