The Phoenix Suns began a challenging six-game road trip with a narrow 127-121 loss to the Miami Heat on January 13 at the Kaseya Center, facing a sellout crowd of 19,700. The game was particularly tough for the Suns as star player Devin Booker played through a left ankle injury sustained while attempting to block a shot late in the third quarter. Though he hobbled off the court, Booker made a return with just over nine minutes left in the game, having contributed significantly to the team’s scoring efforts leading up to that point.
Coach Jordan Ott praised Booker’s toughness, stating, “Man, dude is a warrior, right? Put him back in the fourth because we knew it was going to stiffen up.” However, despite his return, Booker managed only two of his 24 points in the final quarter, showing signs of struggle, especially after driving to the basket.
Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 25 points each, while the Heat were energized by Bam Adebayo, who scored a game-high 29 points, including two crucial three-pointers late in the game. Norman Powell’s timely shot gave Miami the lead for good, marking a key moment that capitalized on Phoenix’s late-game challenges.
The game saw tension rise, particularly for Brooks, who has been having a standout season in his first year with the Suns, but is now on the verge of suspension due to accumulating technical fouls. Brooks picked up his 14th technical during crucial moments of the match, raising concerns about maintaining his composure as the season progresses.
The Suns, who have struggled with injuries, were hopeful for the return of Jalen Green, who participated in a 5-on-5 session ahead of the matchup but has been ruled out for the next game against the Detroit Pistons. His presence, along with that of Jamaree Bouyea, who is close to returning from concussion protocol, could reinvigorate the roster as they continue their road trip.
Phoenix has shown promise defensively this season, ranking among the top ten in defense efficiency, but they allowed Miami to exploit openings, particularly in the first half. While the Suns made an impressive comeback in the third quarter, the Heat’s resurgence showcased their clutch shooting under pressure.
As the Suns prepare for their next engagement, they face the challenge of managing injuries and maintaining defensive intensity. The road ahead looks demanding, but with their key players returning to form, there is hope for a turnaround. Despite this setback, the Suns have the talent and resilience to bounce back.