© Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
MIAMI- Three straight wins have shown that the Phoenix Suns are continuing to fight through this season with determination. Tuesday night, they will face a heat check in South Beach as they take on the Miami Heat, the current eighth seed in the East. Strategically, Phoenix’s path to a win is about control, not explosion.
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Jan 29, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the basketball over Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Not only are the Suns riding a three-game win streak, but they have won nine of their last 11 games. A season that has had its early doubts has been transformed by the recent play of Devin Booker and the culture builder, Dillon Brooks. Booker, who is averaging 25.3 points this season, has been the overall leader of this team, though Dillon Brooks has energized this team with his scoring and defense. In their six games played in January so far, Phoenix has held its opponents to an average of 100.8 points per game, which will be paramount to keep up if they want to keep fighting up the Western Conference standings.
Dec 7, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives against Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Although Miami doesn’t overwhelm with record or massive star power. They attack with discipline, patience, and an ability to turn games into psychological battles. Andrew Wiggins’ off-ball movement and pull-up shooting stretch defensive schemes, forcing rotations that open space for scorers like Tyler Herro and the relentless bench energy of Jaime Jaquez Jr. If the Suns can focus on limiting their stars, they can take the energy and momentum away from Miami.
Jan 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the New York Knicks in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For Suns fans, this game matters because it will show their need to keep up their physical defense with minimal margin for error. Wins like these don’t just count in the standings; they build trust in a team’s identity.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
