The Phoenix Suns won their 12th straight game - their longest winning streak in 14 years - by downing the Miami Heat 99-89 in the NBA on Wednesday.

It is the first time they have won 12 straight games since their 14-match winning streak in 1992, as they improved to 15-6 while handing Miami its third loss in its past five games.

Dwyane Wade joined Shaquille O'Neal on the sidelines for the Heat after having two wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday. His status is day to day.

Phoenix shot 48 percent from the field while the Heat managed to shoot just 40 percent, with Miami hitting just four of its 19 shots from three-point range.

Taking advantage of Wade's absence, the Suns raced to a 56-40 half-time lead before extending it to 21 points after three quarters.

The Heat staged a furious fourth quarter rally attempt after the lead grew to 25 points at one point, but the Suns hung on to complete a perfect 5-0 road trip and give them their second longest winning streak in franchise history.

Shawn Marion paced the Suns with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Steve Nash had 18 points and 11 assists. Boris Diaw chipped in with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.

Alonzo Mourning led the shorthanded Heat with 19 points, while Udonis Haslem added 14 points and seven rebounds.

*Gilbert Arenas had 34 points to lift the Washington Wizards to their fourth win in five games, a 120-91 rout of the Denver Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony led Denver with 37 points.

*Rookie No. 1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani had a career-high 23 points and six rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 91-84 win over the Orlando Magic.

*The Philadelphia 76ers lost their ninth straight game as they attempt to deal Allen Iverson, dropping a 101-81 decision to the Boston Celtics, who have won three straight.

*LeBron James had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Charlotte Bobcats 104-101.

(China Daily via Reuters December 15, 2006)