Miami

Phoenix Suns Snap 17 Game Losing Streak With Win Over Miami Heat

What to Know

  • Former Heat guard Tyler Johnson scored 18 points for Phoenix, which hadn't won since Jan. 12.

Devin Booker came into his final matchup against Dwyane Wade looking to be the next player on the list of those who have snared a retirement-season jersey from the Miami star.

Turns out, the jersey wasn't even the biggest prize.

Booker scored 20 points, Phoenix played a nearly flawless fourth quarter and the Suns snapped their club-record 17-game losing streak by topping the reeling Heat 124-121 on Monday night. The Suns shot 78 percent in the final period, and scored 72 points after halftime to stun a Heat team that dropped its sixth straight home game.

"It feels like we're out," Booker said. "It feels like we were in prison."

Deandre Ayton offered an even more-succinct analysis: "Hallelujah," said the Suns' rookie and No. 1 pick in last year's draft.

Former Heat guard Tyler Johnson scored 18 points for Phoenix, which hadn't won since Jan. 12. Jamal Crawford and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 16 and were huge down the stretch for Phoenix, while Ayton and Troy Daniels each had 14 and Josh Jackson scored 11 for the Suns.

Hassan Whiteside scored 29 points and Kelly Olynyk added 28 for the Heat, who have dropped six straight at home for the second time this season and 13 of their last 18 overall. Missing four often-starters or regular rotation players, Miami went largely with an eight-man rotation and could barely get any stops in the final quarter.

"It went back and forth until we ran out of time," said Wade, who scored 13. "It's obviously unfortunate. This game hurts."

Phoenix improved to 2-42 this season when trailing after three quarters, and snapped a 42-game losing streak in road games when trailing entering the final period.

"We played desperate, we played with a sense of urgency and we came here not just to play — we came to win a game," Suns coach Igor Kokoskov said. "And I'm glad we did."

After the Booker free throws, the next Miami possession saw Wade miss a turnaround jumper even after getting a good look over the 7-foot Ayton. Bam Adebayo had a chance at the tip-in, couldn't get it to fall, and Oubre went to the line with 2.1 seconds left. He made both, Miami had no time-out left to call, and Wade's desperation 55-footer wasn't close.

"Ball didn't go in the hole, bruh," Adebayo said of the missed tip. "Not going to sleep over that one tonight."

Johnson got the return to Miami he wanted — a win against his former club.

Now, he can resume rooting for the Heat, even after he helped deal their quest for an Eastern Conference playoff berth a serious blow.

"These are my guys," said Johnson, who was traded earlier this month. "Obviously, I want to see them be successful. I would never wish for anything negative on their careers. Luckily I'm in the opposite conference, so it is a little bit easier to cheer for them. I hope they figure it out. I know they will."

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