NBA: Phoenix Suns beat the Warriors and the Heat also win

(Basketball news) The Phoenix Suns produced a clinical performance as they beat the Golden State Warriors 107-103. For the Suns, Chris Paul finished with 15 points and eight assists, Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker both scored 22 points as Deandre Ayton added 16 points and 16 rebounds, The Suns matched the franchise record with 62 wins for their 9th straight victory this season. For the Warriors, Jordan Poole scored a season-best 38 points to match his career high and also contributed nine rebounds and seven assists, Klay Thompson finished with 13 points as he shot just 5 for 21 and missed nine of his 10 3-point attempts in Golden State's fourth straight loss, seventh in eight and third in a row at Chase Center. With this result the Suns extended their record to 62-14 and sit at the top of the Western Conference standings.

''That's who we are. We are a work team. Even though the studies show that lifting after a game helps with recovery, I think they really enjoy being around each other and they enjoy the work,'' coach Monty Williams said. ''… As I've said before, our guys are chasing something. When you're chasing something, you don't want to get to whatever you're chasing and not be ready.''

''We felt like we've been there before,'' Paul said of the atmosphere. ''Obviously this is an exciting environment playing in here, the crowd going crazy and all that but we've been playing a ton of games like that.''

''The tough part about Jordan is he's learning how to play like Steph,'' Williams said before the game.

''Draymond took a step tonight,'' Kerr said of the improvements on both ends.

The Miami Heat reclaimed their top spot in Eastern Conference standings when they defeated the Boston Celtics 106-98. For the Heat, Jimmy Butler scored 24 points, Kyle Lowry added 23 as Bam Adebayo finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds. For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown led the team with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jayson Tatum added 23 points and six assists. With this result the Miami Heat clinched a playoff place and also reclaimed the top spot with a record of 49-28 as the Celtics moved down to 4th in the standings with a record of 47-30, the Eastern Conference is very open at the moment as the Bucks, 76ers, Heat and Celtics are fighting it out for that elusive top spot.

''I think we did a good job of just communicating and being there for each other,'' Lowry said.

''It's a good thing for us to learn from,'' Tatum said. ''The season is not decided today. We've still got games to play, playoffs. So, we'll be good.''

''We've gotten a lot better at knowing where the ball has to go,'' Butler said. ''Putting everybody in the position that they need to be in to be successful.''

''That's why I like going through all these kind of games during the regular season,'' Spoelstra said. ''We had our share of challenges going down the stretch. But what I love about this group is we come in the next day, work at it and really try to get better. Those experiences make you stronger.''

Also read: NBA: Nets win while Mavericks inch closer to securing a playoff place

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