Dragic and Butler cool the rising Suns

MIAMI 124, PHOENIX 108

Goran Dragic was an All-Star just two seasons ago. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra hasn’t forgotten.

The 12-year veteran might come off the bench for the Heat these days, but he’s still capable of putting up big numbers and making big baskets. That was on full display Thursday night, when Dragic scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half to push the Miami Heat past the Phoenix Suns 124108.

“It’s a great luxury for us to bring an All-Star talent, in his prime still, off the bench,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t take that for granted. And I’m going to make sure the team doesn’t take that for granted.”

Jimmy Butler scored 34 points and Dragic had the big second half to help Miami win for the fourth time in five games and bounce back from a 20-point loss to Denver on Tuesday. The Heat improved to 6-2 for the first time since 2012 when they had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and eventually won the NBA title.

Butler had 18 points by the end of the first quarter and 30 at halftime as the Heat built a 64-57 lead. Miami shot 53.5 percent in the first half, hitting seven of 14 from threepoint range.

Dragic, who played six seasons early in his career with the Suns, hit a three-pointer just before time expired at the end of the third quarter to put the Heat up 93-86.

“If you ask any player, when you play against your former team, it’s extra motivation,” Dragic said. “It’s always nice to win here.”

Phoenix had its three-game winning streak snapped. Aron Baynes led the Suns with 23 points and Devin Booker added 22. Ricky Rubio had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

at San Antonio 121, Oklahoma

City 112: LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-high 39 points to lead the Spurs past the Thunder. Point guard Dejounte Murray had a career-high 10 assists along with 17 points and eight rebounds. DeMar DeRozan added 16 points and nine assists. Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points for the Thunder. Chris Paul had 19 points and five assists in 31 minutes.

Boston 108, at Charlotte 87: Jayson Tatum scored 23 points, and Kemba Walker got a win in an emotional return to Charlotte as the Celtics defeated the Hornets. Walker received a rousing, oneminute standing ovation from the home crowd after the Hornets showed a highlight tribute that left the point guard in tears.

at Clippers 107, Portland 101