Slam Dunk Central

The Miami Heat on Monday night shot the basketball like the basketball hoop was the size of manholes. They shot 58.8% from the floor, including 50% from 3-point range; however, Heat guard Dwyane Wade scored 10 fourth quarter points, enabling Miami to defeat the Phoenix Suns 117-113 at Phoenix.The feat by Miami was especially impressive, considering that they only used 7 players. Miami shot 76% from the floor as they led 40-29 after the first quarter. Phoenix would outscore Miami 34-27 to make the game closer, as the Heat held a narrow 67-63 lead at halftime. The Heat would take control again by scoring 8 straight points to go up 89-80 after 3 quarters. In the fourth quarter, Phoenix would make five 3-pointers - 3 by Grant Hill and 2 by Steve Nash - in the final 1:10 of the game, but couldn’t get any closer than 3 points. Miami forward Udonis Haslem made a pair of free throws then Miami’s Wade stole the ball from Nash then made a dunk, sealing the win for Miami.

Miami had 6 players in double-digits, led by Wade with 31 points and 6 assists; Haslem added 21 with 12 rebounds. Shaquille O’Neal chipped in with 18 on 7-of-10 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists; Dorell Wright poured in 16 with 12 boards. Phoenix had 7 players in double-digits, led by 4 players with 19 points apiece - Raja Bell, Shaun Marion, Hill and Amare Stoudemire; Stoudemire grabbed 9 rebounds as well. Nash had a mediocre effort, scoring 11 on 4-of-13 shooting and dishing out 14 assists. Miami (6-15) returns home to host the Washington Wizards Thursday night, while Phoenix (16-6) remains home to host the Utah Jazz Wednesday.