PHOENIX, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Suns dropped a second straight game to a division bottom-dweller Monday when the Miami Heat jumped to an early lead and hung on for a 117-113 win.
Dwyane Wade poured in 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the field, while Shaquille O'Neal dropped in 18 and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Heat, who have won back-to-back games for the first time this season. Miami, sitting in last place in the the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division, followed Minnesota's weekend lead. The Timberwolves, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference's Northwestern Division, snuffed the Pacific Division-leading Suns 100-93 Saturday.
Udonis Haslem contributed 21 points and 12 boards, while Dorell Wright chipped in 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Heat.
Miami shot 58.8 percent from the field and held a 46-29 edge in rebounds.
Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell and Grant Hill each had 19 points for Phoenix. Steve Nash had 14 assists but only 11 points.
Miami scored 40 points in the first quarter and led 67-53 at halftime. The Heat carried an 11-point lead into the final period.
