Phoenix battles Miami despite injuries to key scorers
The Phoenix Suns faced another tough test on January 25, 2026, when they took on the Miami Heat at the Mortgage Matchup Center, playing shorthanded after losing two of their top scorers to injuries.[1] Without Devin Booker and Jalen Green, the Suns struggled to find rhythm early, opening the game with four turnovers in the first four minutes.[1]
The Heat dominated the opening quarter, capitalizing on loose play as Phoenix’s defense unraveled. Miami earned 14 free throw attempts on just nine team fouls in the first quarter, compared to only five free throw attempts for the Suns.[1] The disparity in officiating early set the tone for a Heat team looking to build momentum in their rematch against Phoenix.
Shooting struggles plague Phoenix’s offense
Phoenix’s offensive woes extended beyond turnovers. The Suns shot poorly from the field, connecting on just 8-of-21 attempts from the paint and 2-of-10 from beyond the arc in the early going.[1] The three-point struggles continued throughout the first half, as Phoenix finished the opening 24 minutes with only two three-pointers on 18 attempts, while trailing 58-48.[1]
Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks stepped up as the Suns’ primary offensive weapons, combining for 27 points through two quarters to keep Phoenix within striking distance.[1] Brooks showcased his midrange prowess with several clutch shot-making opportunities as the Suns attempted to chip away at Miami’s lead.
Heat capitalize on Phoenix’s defensive lapses
The Heat, sitting at 24-22 on the season compared to Phoenix’s 27-18 record, found success exploiting gaps in the Suns’ lineup.[2] Miami’s ball movement and pace—ranking first in the NBA at 103.5 possessions per game—created open looks and forced Phoenix defenders to chase plays they had no business being caught out on.[2]
The game marked the second meeting between these conference rivals this season, with Miami having won the previous matchup 127-121 on January 13.[2] The Heat brought depth and execution to a Phoenix team managing the absence of two All-Star caliber players during a critical stretch of the season.
What’s next for the Suns
Phoenix will look to regroup as they navigate the injury challenges ahead. Booker faces at least a week on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, forcing the Suns to rely on secondary scorers and improved depth.[1] The Heat, meanwhile, continue their push to solidify their playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference.
