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Nash's big fourth quarter leads Suns past Heat

Nov 10, 2007 - 3:14 AM MIAMI (Ticker) -- After the Phoenix Suns were trailing for most of the game, two-time MVP Steve Nash once again stepped it up in crunch time.

Nash scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter - including eight straight during a critical run late in the game - to lead the Suns to a 106-101 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday.

The loss also extended the Heat's losing streak to 18 games - including the preseason - as Miami begins the year 0-5 for just the third time in franchise history.

Down by two points with under three minutes to play in the game, Nash converted on a shot from the arc to give the Suns a 99-98 lead with 2:32 to play.

Nash then made a layup followed by his sixth 3-pointer of the game to give Phoenix its largest lead of the night at 104-98 with 1:21 remaining.

Trailing, 104-101, Ricky Davis' 3-point attempt hit the back of the rim with seven seconds left and Shawn Marion grabbed the rebound and made two free throws to secure the win.

Marion collected 17 points, 24 rebounds and five steals for the Suns, who have won their last five meetings with the Heat.

Shaquille O'Neal, who had averaged just 12.8 points over the first four games, had 15 points in the first half en route to 25 and 10 rebounds to lead Miami.

Amare Stoudemire was ejected during the third quarter after he received his first technical foul with three minutes left in the first half after getting in a verbal altercation with the Heat's Udonis Haslem.

He was booted after arguing a foul that he committed while defending O'Neal in the fourth.

Stoudemire had missed the Suns' last three games while recovering from soreness related to offseason arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and scored just nine points on 3-of-11 shooting.

Miami went on a 13-2 run late in the first quarter to take its largest lead of the game at 36-23 with just under 1:00 to play in the opening period. The Heat made 17 field goals in the first quarter to tie a franchise record and the 37 points were the most Miami had scored in any quarter this season.

The Heat used an 8-0 run to open up their largest lead of the second half at 82-73 late in the third quarter.