The Phoenix Suns won their 12th straight game - their longest
winning streak in 14 years - by downing the Miami Heat 99-89 in the
NBA on Wednesday.
It is the first time they have won 12 straight games since their
14-match winning streak in 1992, as they improved to 15-6 while
handing Miami its third loss in its past five games.
Dwyane Wade joined Shaquille O'Neal on the sidelines for the
Heat after having two wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday. His status
is day to day.
Phoenix shot 48 percent from the field while the Heat managed to
shoot just 40 percent, with Miami hitting just four of its 19 shots
from three-point range.
Taking advantage of Wade's absence, the Suns raced to a 56-40
half-time lead before extending it to 21 points after three
quarters.
The Heat staged a furious fourth quarter rally attempt after the
lead grew to 25 points at one point, but the Suns hung on to
complete a perfect 5-0 road trip and give them their second longest
winning streak in franchise history.
Shawn Marion paced the Suns with 23 points and 13 rebounds,
while Steve Nash had 18 points and 11 assists. Boris Diaw chipped
in with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.
Alonzo Mourning led the shorthanded Heat with 19 points, while
Udonis Haslem added 14 points and seven rebounds.
*Gilbert Arenas had 34 points to lift the Washington Wizards to
their fourth win in five games, a 120-91 rout of the Denver
Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony led Denver with 37 points.
*Rookie No. 1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani had a career-high 23
points and six rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 91-84 win
over the Orlando Magic.
*The Philadelphia 76ers lost their ninth straight game as they
attempt to deal Allen Iverson, dropping a 101-81 decision to the
Boston Celtics, who have won three straight.
*LeBron James had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists,
leading the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Charlotte Bobcats
104-101.
(China Daily via Reuters December 15, 2006)