Miami, FL
Phoenix Suns can protect ball, get bench scoring and other things we learned in road win over Miami Heat
MIAMI — The Big 3 and even bigger bench play got the Phoenix Suns back on track in Monday’s 118-105 win at Miami to snap a two-game skid in the second of a road back-to-back.
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal combined for 61 points and the Suns bench accounted for a season-high 48 points with Eric Gordon scoring a team-high 23, hitting 5-of-12 from 3.
Frank Vogel said pregame the Suns (27-20) were upset with their two losses at Indiana and Orlando in which they folded in the fourth quarter.
Used a more colorful word than upset, but Vogel shared the same sentiment.
The Suns responded with one of their better defensive efforts in limiting the slumping Heat (24-23) to 39.3% shooting. Miami has dropped its last seven games and hasn’t won since acquiring Terry Rozier (0-4) in a trade with Charlotte that involved Kyle Lowry.
Jimmy Butler paced Miami with a game-high 26 points.
Here’s what we learned as Suns led by as many as 28 points, but once again had a shaky fourth quarter in which Miami sliced Phoenix’s lead to 10 before Gordon hit a dagger 3 with 1:06 remaining that led to most of the sellout crowd of 19,600 at Kaseya Center heading for the exits.
Sharing is caring, but so is taking care of the ball
The Suns responded to having more turnovers (23) than assists (19) in Sunday’s loss at Orlando to cranking out 30 assists and committing only eight turnovers Monday.
The Suns would’ve had even more assists by making the open 3s they got. Booker, Durant and Beal each had seven assists a combined for a total of two turnovers.
Durant took his seven turnovers against the Magic personally and only had one in 41 minutes Monday. Beal had the other one of the Big 3 after coughing it up three times in the fourth quarter Sunday wearing a mask that left him visually disturbed and frustrated.
Better vision. Better ball protection. Better play from Beal, who is quietly taking on more a of point guard role, especially with the way Booker has been cooking of late.
By the way, Booker didn’t turn the ball over Monday in 40 minutes.
The Magic scored 23 points off those 21 turnovers Sunday. Twenty-four hours later, Miami only managed 11 points off those eight turnovers.
Those are the numbers.
Here’s the deep dive.
The Suns had more and better ball movement against Miami’s man and zone principles, but they got some easy ones in transition in the first half. They scored 11 of their 16 transitions points in the first half.
This team could use more fastbreak points. They are 24th in pace and 20th in fastbreak points.
The Suns have three scorers who are shot makers as Booker finished with 22 points, Durant went for 20 and Beal added 19. All three are capable of 40, 50 or more, but when the Suns play with pace, it leads to transition 3s and it allows guys like Josh Okogie to use his athleticism to make plays.
Ball movement is what can separate the Suns when they make the extra pass with three guys who can score off the dribble or catch-and-shoot, but spacing is everything. The better the spacing, the less Booker, Durant and Beal are playing in a crowd, which tends to lead to turnovers.
And when those three share the ball like they did Monday, that makes it more challenging to not only guard Booker, Durant and Beal, but the team as a whole. The Suns still seem to be finding that fine line between the Big 3 being aggressive to score and aggressive to make a play for someone else.
Sometimes actually running a play instead of giving the ball to one to force the defense to help and adjust can work, too.
Bench rose to occasion
Drew Eubanks brought energy — and 11 points off the bench — in the first quarter.
Okogie was making those outside-the-points plays with steals and rebounds. So those two 3s he hit were like that thick, wavy icing on the wedding cake in scoring 11 points as well.
So what one was a double clutch off the glass that had Gordon laughing when asked about it after the game. Okogie has watched Grayson Allen become the fifth starter, but seems to have worried less about hitting 3s and more about defending and making energy plays.
And then there’s Gordon, who could start, but with Allen missing the second half with an ankle injury, he got into his offensive bag with the drives and 3s.
The Suns are 28th in bench scoring. Granted their Big 3 is averaging essentially 75 points a game, but they could use more out of their reserves.
Can’t see Phoenix’s bench going for 48 every night, but the Suns got what they needed from them and then some on a second of a back-to-back. They showed on the road where the stars tend to carry teams that the second unit guys can deliver, too.
Heat culture not enough right now
How Miami goes about their business with toughness, character and discipline defines them just as much as winning three NBA titles and playing in seven finals.
Right now, this team is very much a work in progress.
Trying to work in Rozier, who is best at going one-on-one. He makes oh-ah plays like one that had Durant reeling and then scored, and he can catch fire from 3 (4-of-6), but he’s not an assist guy (only three dimes).
Rozier was a minus-21 Monday, the worst of any player on the court. The more they can get him on how the Heat play, he could be really special here.
This isn’t the Heat team that could lock it down defensively. They are 13th in defensive rating, but the Heat need to do better when considering they’re 22nd in offensive rating.
Miami has gone from reaching the finals last season to being seventh in the West and 14 games behind the Celtics, the team it beat in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Heat are a long way from that, but don’t dare count them out.
That wouldn’t be wise.
Injury update: Allen suffers right ankle injury
Allen didn’t play in the second half after spraining his right ankle in Monday’s first half.
He checked out of the game with 3:19 left in the half with three points all on free throws. He only attempted two shots, missing both in 13 minutes.
Vogel said X-rays were negative, and that Allen is day-to-day. Allen has started every game he’s played this season in averaging 13.5 points and leading the NBA in 3-point shooting at 49.8%.
Jusuf Nurkic returned for Monday’s game after sitting out Sunday’s loss at the Magic. He suffered a left thumb sprain on his non-shooting hand in last week’s loss at Pacers.
Bol Bol remains out with right foot sprain has he has missed nine straight games with the injury. Damion Lee (knee) didn’t make the trip as he hasn’t played all season.
Up next: Durant’s return to Brooklyn
This will be Durant’s first game in Brooklyn since the blockbuster trade right before last season’s trade deadline that sent Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson to the Nets.
Brooklyn won in Phoenix this season in the return of Bridges and Johnson to Phoenix.
The Nets (19-27) are 10th in the East as they got Ben Simmons back from back issues for Monday’s game against Utah. His had last played Nov. 6 against Milwaukee.
He’s only played in seven games this season.
More: Kevin Durant explains why doesn’t deserve a tribute video from Brooklyn Nets
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
Support local journalism. Start your online subscription.
Miami, FL
7 more women arrested at southwest Miami-Dade massage parlors, accused of prostitution in undercover sting
Seven more women have been arrested at massage parlors across Miami-Dade, following a wave of arrests in an undercover prostitution sting operation run by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
All seven women appeared in bond court facing prostitution charges as well as running a massage business without a license. The arrests come a day after seven other women were arrested at massage parlors in southwest Miami-Dade. Those locations were closed after the first round of arrests.
According to arrest reports, the women would offer sexual acts to an undercover detective after a massage. They would also charge, according to the reports, prices ranging from $50 to $150.
The women’s ages ranged from 46 to 67 years old:
- Yaoying Lin, 58
- Xiufen Lin, 51
- Yan Xi, 48
- Zixuan Wang, 46
- Mei Hui Lin, 49
- Quirong Xu, 67
- Hongli Ren, 63
Judge Mindy Glazer presided over the bond court appearances. During the proceedings, she referenced charges of “committing a lascivious act and engaging in prostitution,” according to CBS News Miami’s reporting from the courthouse.
Yaoying Lin’s attorney, Paul Petruzzi, persuaded the judge to reduce her charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.
“She’s resided in Miami for many years. Married. And has never failed to appear,” Petruzzi said.
“They had my client held overnight. She was charged with a felony unfairly. To the point where a judge on her own dismissed it. It’s either real bad, bad, bad police work. Or it’s something else. A little bit more nefarious. I’m afraid the latter,” Petruzzi said.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that they will not be providing any interviews regarding this undercover sting at this time.
This is the eighth edition of Miami Hurricanes on SI’s breakdown of each team on the 2026-27 Miami Hurricanes football schedule.
Miami, to this point, is coming off its biggest test of the year against Pitt. Now they will turn their attention to Bill Belichick and what he has accomplished to this point in his second season as a college football head coach.
North Carolina should be better than last season after a disappointing 4-8 2025 outcome. However, the Hurricanes also understand that this is the ideal trap game before they head on the road to face Notre Dame in one of the biggest games of the season, which could hold massive playoff implications.
Miami can’t look forward. All eyes will be on what the new season and another fun home game against a rising contender.
Here’s everything you need to know about UNC and its 2026 unit.
The Offense
Petrino03 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Thursday 17, 2014
After coming off one of the worst offensive outputs in the country last season, Belichick knew that he needed to make a move quickly. It started with hiring veteran coach Bobby Petrino as the teams offensive coordinator.
It won’t be the 126th ranked offense, but how much better could it get with Petrino making the calls? The Tar Heels will also have a new quarterback under center, but so far, no one knows who exactly it will be.
The most talented player in the quarterback room is Travis Burges. A 6-foot-4 freshman dual-threat quarterback with unlimited potential, but they also went into the transfer portal and landed some experience in former Wisconsin QB, Billy Edwards Jr., is expected to start, but the change could be made halfway through the season if things don’t work.
Two new starting receivers also entered from the transfer portal, but the consistency in the room was provided by Jordan Shipp. Last season, he led the team in receiving yards (671) and touchdowns (6), even with how bad the team was at scoring.
UNC’s rushing attack was also highlighted by returning sophomore Demon June. He rushed for nearly 500 yards in his limited snaps, averaging 5.5 yards a carry with two touchdowns.
Defense
Defense should be the calling card of the Tar Heels next season, led by their star pass rusher, Melkart Abou-Jaoude. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound rusher totaled 10.5 sacks and 47 tackles last season. Another year learning under Belichick would likely push him to be a first or second round pick in the 2027 Class, one that the Canes are paying close attention to.
Moreover, some familarity will be on the sideline and a likely starter during his freshman year in Keton Dopson, the former Miami Hurricanes commit. He reclassifed to the 2026 class, and flipped his commitment knowing that there is a better chance to get on the field quicker at UNC than the depth that he would have had to wait behind at least for this season.
UNC’s secondary is one of the more sound groups in the country compared to the rest of its roster. However, their linebacking core who rack up tackles, are transfers who have to learn the Belichick system.
Schedule
Schedule-wise, this game is the biggest trap game of the season for the Canes. If Miami finds its way past Pitt, it will be 7-0, and this game stands between the Canes and a rematch with the Fighting Irish.
This is the perfect time for Belichick to get his first signature win against a returning program like Miami, which puts a ton of pressure on the Canes to get the job done. However, the Canes can’t afford it, knowing what is coming next.
Moreover, this is the perfect chance for Darian Mensah to have a better game than last season’s outing against the Tar Heels. His one touchdown performance was one of his weaker games of the season, but it could be a step for him to get control of the Heisman conversation.
Outlook
MIami will be favored in this game, similar to how it will be for the rest of the season. UNC will give the Canes one of the better defensive matchups this season that will also test the offense.
Miami’s history against UNC in the Mario Cristobal era has shown it can have a high-flying offense but has to avoid self-inflicted wounds.
The Game
Date: October 31
Time: TBA
TV: TBA
Location: Hard Rock Stadium
Series History: UNC leads 16-11
Last Meeting: 2023
The Team
The Coach: Bill Belichick
Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Petrino
Defensive Coordinator: Steve Belichick
2025 Record: 4-8
2025 Rankings: 126th Total Offense, 70th Total Defense
Players to Watch: Melkart Abou-Jaoude, R-Sr, EDGE
Top Newcomer: C.J. Sadler, WR, Freshman
Biggest Question: How will Belichick adjust in his second year as a college football head coach?
The School
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Founded: 1789
Enrollment: 32,099
Nickname: Tar Heels
Colors: Power Blue and White
Mascot (Symbols): Rameses the Live Ram
The Program
Last Win in the Series: 2023
Last ACC Title: 1980
National Championships: NA
Playoff Appearances: NA
Last missed bowl season: 2025
Heisman Trophies: NA
The Schedule
October 31, Time TBA, Pitt Panthers @ Miami Hurricanes
This is the eighth story in Miami Hurricanes on SI’s early preview series of all 12 regular-season opponents for Miami football in 2026.
Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and BlueSky.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
The NBA offseason is typically an interesting time for the Miami Heat organization. The fans are always pushing the organization to make big acquisitions and are always looking for the next star to play in the Kaseya Center. Because of the organization and the fans desire for star players, the media finds a way to talk about Miami as a destination.
The Heat consistently being mentioned for stars but not landing them has been a point of frustration for fans over the years. This year that frustration can be put to rest for a few more years.
What did the Heat add?
It would be foolish to have an offseason discussion without first mentioning the Heat pulled of the biggest move in the NBA in the past several years. That is of course the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Heat made their best move since signing Lebron James and Chris Bosh to form the big three in 2010. They landed a top 5 player still at the height of his powers and they did not have to give up their best player. This allowed them to form what will be one of the scariest defensive duos the league has ever seen.
The other notable move was signing Heat legacy Tim Hardaway Jr., son of former Heat player Tim Hardaway. This was a fantastic signing as it lands them a quality shooter on a favorable contract. Shooting has been pointed out to be Miami’s biggest potential weakness after the trade and they addressed it immediately.
Another move that is seemingly turning out well is the drafting of Ryan Conwell in the second round of this year’s draft. Conwell has been a scoring machine in Summer League, scoring 21 points, 16 points, and 26 points in his three games so far.
Who did they keep?
Miami will return a good core of players from the previous season, notably Bam Adebayo. This alone was a massive win for the Heat. They landed an elite player and were able to keep their franchise pillar to pair with him. Miami did retain 2 players though that many thought might be playing elsewhere.
The Heat were able to sign Andrew Wiggins to an extension and though the first year’s salary was not decreased, the second of the contract will be an absolute steal. Then the Heat kept Simone Fontecchio on a veteran minimum contract. This will not make any headlines, but he was a 37.5% shooter from three and like previously mentioned the Heat need shooting.
What was lost?
The Heat did lose several players from their Play-in squad last season. Most notably former All-Stars in Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Herro was traded in the Antetokounmpo trade and Powell signed with the Bulls in free agency.
These are notable losses, but the addition of Antetokounmpo plus the retention of other key players more than make up for it. Miami did lose several if the young pieces in the trade as well, sending Jaime Jaquez jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee. This of course is the price you have to pay when going, as Miami calls it, whale hunting.
How it grades
It would be embarrassing to grade the offseason anything less than an A. This is largely due to Antetokounmpo, but the other moves listed out are the cherry on top. The Heat have been able to sign a quality player to help an area of their biggest need, retain one of their key starters at a great contract price, and retain a three-point specialist that plays his role well.
When you add those things, the addition of the next Heat great in Antetokounmpo, and subtract what was needed to complete the trade, then you are left with an excellent body of work that any team in the league would be proud of. The offseason is not done either and the Heat might have one or two more tricks up their sleeve by the time it is all said and done.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
-
South Dakota4 minutes ago
SD Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for July 8, 2026
-
Tennessee7 minutes ago
TN Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for July 8, 2026
-
Texas12 minutes agoTexas reports 48 cyclospora cases and the source is still unknown
-
Utah19 minutes agoUtah Jazz vs Washington Wizards: Summer League Preview, start time, how to watch
-
Vermont22 minutes ago
VT Lottery Powerball, Gimme 5 results for July 8, 2026
-
Virginia27 minutes agoVirginia’s voided special election cost $11.6 million
-
Wisconsin37 minutes agoNew Wisconsin AD Shawn Eichorst: Badgers Need ‘Texas Swagger’ And Less Humility
-
West Virginia42 minutes agoWest Virginia retailers told to allow people to purchase soda with SNAP benefits
