Suns vs Heat: Heat prevail in Phoenix as Adebayo stars
Introduction: Why the Suns vs Heat meetings matter
The Suns vs Heat fixture has become a notable early‑season barometer for both teams. Meetings between Miami and Phoenix highlight defensive adjustments, roster depth and how teams cope with injuries to key scorers. The January clashes — particularly the 25 January matchup in Phoenix — offered a clear example of how absence and rotation can swing tight Western‑Eastern matchups.
Main body: Key details from recent encounters
25 January, Phoenix — Heat 111, Suns 102
On 25 January the Miami Heat defeated a short‑handed Phoenix Suns 111‑102 in Phoenix. Bam Adebayo led Miami with 22 points while Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 20. The Suns laboured without Devin Booker — listed as the team’s leading scorer at 25.4 points per game — and struggled from the floor, shooting 37% overall and going 7‑for‑35 from three‑point range. Miami built an early advantage with a 16‑2 run that produced a 12‑point lead in the first quarter, led 58‑48 at half and extended control in the fourth, pushing the score to 101‑83 midway through the period. The win completed a five‑game road trip for Miami at 3‑2.
13 January, closer contest — Heat 127, Suns 121
Earlier in January Miami also won a high‑scoring affair, 127‑121 on 13 January. That contest featured multiple long‑range makes by Bam Adebayo and contributions across the Heat roster, underscoring Miami’s ability to produce offence even against Phoenix’s defensive schemes.
Notable performances and team records
Different reports highlight several individual efforts: Adebayo’s 22 points on 25 January, Jaquez’s 20, and another recap noting Dillon Brooks scored 26 in the same game. After the 25 January result the Heat were reported at 25‑22 for the season while the Suns fell to 27‑19, illustrating how each result affects standings in tight playoff races.
Conclusion: What these results mean
The recent Suns vs Heat meetings show Miami’s resilience and depth, particularly when Phoenix is without Booker. For Phoenix, the defeats underline the need for improved perimeter shooting and defensive consistency. Looking ahead, both clubs will use these games as checkpoints: Miami to consolidate its balance and Phoenix to adjust lineups and reclaim form as they chase position in a competitive conference.
