Adebayo scores 30 points as the Heat rally to defeat the Suns 113-112.

MIAMI – Prolific scorer. Excellent defender. Adebayo Scores 30 points.

Devin Booker landed at his opportune spot. Jimmy Butler also arrived. And Butler stepped up to the occasion, capping off a stunning comeback victory for the Miami Heat.

Bam Adebayo scored 30 points, which included a pair of game-winning free throws with 35 seconds remaining, and Butler’s block was part of a frantic close as the Heat rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 113-112.

“Those two guys are truly the fundamental heartbeat pieces of our squad,” stated “Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “We follow in the footsteps of their warrior spirits.” They’re so tough; they’re the embodiment of two-way basketball players.”

On Phoenix’s final play, it had three shots to claim victory: a missed layup by Cameron Payne, as well as a jumper from the right elbow that Butler blocked, and a 3-pointer from Booker that deflected off the rim, with Butler haranguing him again.

“It’s been a difficult break for us,” Suns coach Monty Williams stated “. “Our guys fought like hell to give themselves a chance at victory.

Miami’s Butler got to finish with 16 points, 13 rebounds, as well as seven assists. Miami got back to.500 at 7-7 with 15 points from Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry each.

“I love that we were able to win this game on defense,” Butler said.

Adebayo went on to outscore the Suns 12-10 in the final eight minutes. Phoenix did miss 12 of its 16 shots while Miami did 8 for its last 12.

Booker did lead the Suns in scoring with 25 points. Duane Washington Jr. got to add 21 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points as well as 12 rebounds for the Suns, who gunned only four free throws in comparison to Miami’s 25.

“That’s difficult to take in… we get only four free throws in a tough game like that, where everyone’s bumpin’,” Williams said. “This is becoming increasingly difficult to take in.” You feel as if you can’t even mention it because you’ll be fined.”

The Heat went 22 for 25 from the line, their 13th consecutive game shooting at least 80% from the line, widening their team record.

This was the first occasion that an NBA team had gunned four free throws in a single game since May 16, 2021. Also theSuns versus San Antonio. 

Torrey Craig’s layup with 8:03 remaining gave Phoenix a 102-89 edge, the Suns’ largest of the night. The the rest of the way, the Heat outscored Phoenix 24-10.

“We have had assessments all year, and we didn’t finish some of those games,” Adebayo explained. “They were nothing more than practice for a game such as this.” Both teams lacked key defenders. Miami’s Tyler Herro sprained his left ankle for the fourth time in a row, and Phoenix’s Chris Paul sat out with right heel discomfort.

The Suns believe Paul’s heel problem is temporary. “On a daily basis,” Williams explained. For the first time this season, Phoenix lost back-to-back games. The Suns had a 7-0 record when leading by at least 13 points.

Among those in attendance were Wayne Gretzky, Odell Beckham Jr., as well as Melvin Ingram. Dewayne Dedmon led the Heat with 12 points, which included a pair of 3-pointers late in the 3rd quarter to halt a Phoenix run. Adebayo also grabbed ten rebounds.

Lowry’s 1st 3-pointer was his 2,000th of his career. He is the 12th player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

Dedric Taylor, a South Florida native, served as one of the refs, continuing to work on his 47th b’day. Before joining the NBA, Taylor worked with the City of North Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department as well as a UPS driver.

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