The Phoenix Suns started a five-game homestand with an 111-102 loss to the Miami Heat in front of a sellout crowd of 17,071 at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 25. The team struggled throughout the game, trailing by as many as 18 points in the second half and dropping their second consecutive game.

Phoenix’s performance was below par, as they shot a season-low 37% from the field overall, including just 20% on three-point attempts (7-of-35). Their inability to force turnovers was also a problem, as they only managed 12 turnovers, which led to just 15 points. This was a far cry from their previous standing in the NBA, where they ranked 12th in three-point shooting at 36.5%, third in forcing turnovers at 17, and third in points off turnovers at 21.5.

Dillon Brooks was the standout for the Heat, scoring a game-high 26 points. Grayson Allen added 18 points, but his performance was marred by a poor shooting night, going 1-of-11 from three-point range. Royce O’Neale struggled as well, shooting 0-for-7 from beyond the arc while scoring just eight points.

The Suns were without two key players, Devin Booker (right ankle sprain) and Jalen Green (right hamstring injury), which likely impacted their overall performance. On the other side, Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 22 points. Miami was also missing several players, including Tyler Herro (right costochondral injury to the ribs), Davion Mitchell (left shoulder sprain), and Kel’el Ware (right hamstring strain).

Looking ahead, the Suns will continue their homestand on January 27 when they face the Brooklyn Nets at 7 p.m.

Suns down 10 at half without Booker, Green

In the first half, the Suns found themselves trailing 58-48, with Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo each contributing 13 points. Miami extended their lead to as many as 12 points, but Phoenix managed to tie the game three times. However, Miami closed out the half with a strong 16-6 run to take control.

Grayson Allen was the top scorer for the Suns, tallying a game-high 14 points, while Dillon Brooks added 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting. Despite their efforts, the Suns were still struggling, shooting just 2-of-19 from three-point range. Royce O’Neale was 0-for-6 from distance, and Allen missed all five of his three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Heat were not much better, shooting 3-of-17 from beyond the arc, with Norman Powell hitting just 1-of-6.

The Heat were also without Tyler Herro, who was dealing with a rib injury, as this game marked the final contest of their five-game road trip.

Suns, Heat starters; Brooks vs. Powell Part 2

With Devin Booker and Jalen Green sidelined due to injuries, the Suns had to rely on a different starting lineup, featuring Collin Gillespie, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, and Mark Williams. This group has struggled so far, posting a 1-3 record with this configuration.

On the other side, the Heat started Kasparas Jakučionis, Norman Powell, Pelle Larson, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam Adebayo. The matchup between Dillon Brooks and Norman Powell took on extra significance, as it was a rematch of a previous incident. On January 13, Brooks received a technical foul after Powell fell to the floor following a play. While Brooks claimed he was fouled, the NBA later rescinded the technical. Brooks now has 14 technical fouls, putting him two away from a one-game suspension.

For more insights into the current state of the Suns, readers can reach out to Suns Insider Duane Rankin via email at dmrankin@gannett.com or by phone at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @DuaneRankin for updates.

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