On Friday night, the Phoenix Suns easily defeated the Miami Heat 113-97 thanks to nine 3-pointers from Grayson Allen.
The 28-year-old Allen’s nine three-pointers tied a franchise record and represented a career high. The Suns are now 19-16 on the season after winning five of their last six games. Bradley Beal finished with eight rebounds, nine assists, and 25 points. With 10 assists, Devin Booker added 20 points on 9-19 shooting.
In the first half, Allen was spectacular, scoring 23 points on 7 of 10 long-range shots. The sixth-year player, who entered the game averaging a career-high 13 points, was acquired in an off-season deal. He was 11 of 19 overall from the field and 9 of 14 on threes.
After Booker and Chimezie Metu had an alley-oop dunk and Metu had a layup for a 77-63 lead, the Suns finally found their offensive rhythm in the third quarter. In the end, their lead would soar to 19 points during the quarter. Miami only managed 20 points in that quarter, while Phoenix scored 32.
After Drew Eubanks made it 113-92 with a three-pointer, the Suns’ celebration began. Miami didn’t pose a threat in the last frame.
With 28 points, Bam Adebayo led the Heat in scoring. With 10 points, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was the only other starter to score in double figures. Miami has lost three straight games. Tyler Herro shot just 4 of 17 during his difficult night. The Heat’s field goal percentage was only 41%.
Phoenix kept Miami to 55 points after falling behind the Los Angeles Clippers by 70 points in the first half on Wednesday. The Suns led by seven points at the half after committing just five turnovers and shooting 53% from the field.
Kevin Love got off to a quick start in the game. He joined with the Heat in February after accepting a buyout offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers. After 4:44 of play, the 35-year-old scored 15 points on 5-5 shooting. He had twenty in the end. However, the Suns led 33-29 after one quarter, in part because they shot 7-11 from beyond the arc.
Kevin Durant, who missed his third consecutive game due to right hamstring soreness, was not available for the Suns to play. Jimmy Butler of Miami was sidelined for the sixth time in seven games due to a foot injury.
The Suns and Memphis Grizzlies play their final game of a six-game homestand on Sunday. On Monday, the Heat will host the Houston Rockets at home once more.