Nurkic recorded his season-highs of 20 points and 18 rebounds, adding two blocks and a steal. He shot 6-of-8, including a perfect 3-of-3 from the arc. Two of them were way out by the logo, and his 35-footer far beyond the left wing cut Miami's lead to 90-89 with 10:24 left in the fourth.

Smith said Durant has been “leaderless” when addressing the question of whether the two-time finals MVP can lead Phoenix to a championship. Suns teammates came to Durant’s defense, saying he’s an easy target, and defended his leadership style.