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AP: 877f9ad9-b449-415e-a06b-f418f8d904a0
Phoenix Suns' Markieff Morris (11) and his twin brother, Marcus Morris (15) run upcourt during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Following Friday night's 92-87 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the Phoenix Suns are riding their longest win streak (three games) since mid-December.

While the recent string of success can be attributed to several factors, it's hard not to think the emergence of recently-acquired forward Marcus Morris has had something to do with it.

Earlier this week, interim head coach Lindsey Hunter praised Morris for the edge he's brought in practice and noted that the former No. 14 overall pick has a capability of leadership the team hadn't previously seen.

Although that edge wasn't readily noticeable during his first three contests in a Suns uniform (14 points in 32 minutes), Morris has certainly provided Phoenix with a boost off the bench in wins over the Spurs and Hawks.

In the Suns' four-point overtime win in San Antonio Wednesday, Morris -- traded to Phoenix on February 21 from Houston for a second-round pick -- played all 17 fourth quarter/overtime minutes and was instrumental in the team's comeback (scored six points over the final 2:51 of regulation and blanketed Kawhi Leonard at the defensive end).

Friday, Morris treated fans in the Valley to an impressive shooting display against Atlanta. The former Kansas star hit a career-high four three-point shots en route to an impressive 16-point performance off the pine.

"Personally, I don't think (my play) has been surprising, because I know what I can do," Morris said Friday. "I just never really had the opportunity to go out there and play. The Suns organization has given me that opportunity to play and be myself.

"I like the group we have around. There are a lot of veterans on this team that are showing me the way, keeping me level-headed and focused."

The addition of Morris has also kept another member of the Suns focused of late, his older brother Markieff. Since the trade, Markieff is averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. In comparison, during the nine games leading up to the deadline the former No. 13 overall pick had just one double-digit scoring night.

"I mean we are out there just playing hard," Markieff said following Friday's five-point victory. "For me and (Marcus), we play the game and let it come to us. We make the right basketball plays for the most part. When we are real good on defense it usually translates to wins."

The twin brothers have certainly won plenty together, as Marcus and Markieff went 95-14 during their three years at Kansas. The duo will try to extend the Suns' winning ways when the team next hits the court Wednesday against the Raptors.

Dave Dulberg, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

9 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    BirdmanKickedYourAZ wrote...
    We dont want a win streak
    We want Ben McLemore
  • Abuse
    rdgroce wrote...
    sometimes pieces fit together
    HC Hunter has brought tough accountability; the veterans are taking the youngsters under their wings; and the hidden talent in WJ and Mook are coming out; while Beas is no longer given time on the court beacuse he is Beas; Gortat has stopped wining and started to play like a big because the older guy JO is making him look bad; even Duds was kinda giving up on this season so lets see how he responds. Hunter is mking these guys earn playing time so time to man up, the caudling is over; and who cares if we get another 13th pic, watching these past three games is awesome.
  • Abuse
    dannyrocks1984 wrote...
    It's nice to see these guys play well
    I'm not one of those guys that cares that much about high draft picks. Just because a guy is good in collage doesn't mean it will carry over into the pros. Not that that never happens, but I think too much is being made of wanting the high draft pick, so I don't mind seeing this team play well.
  • Abuse
    dannyrocks1984 wrote...
    Plus...
    Just to add to my latest comment, the Suns don't have a good history of drafting anyway, so even if the get that high pick, I'm not sure it would make a difference.
  • Abuse
    DanTheTimid wrote...
    Glad some ones happy
    I admit, I didn't mind the sun's beating the spurs, much like the lakers, the spurs are a team I'll willingly give up a couple of lottery balls to see them lose, but this three game streak has now officially gotten out of control. Yes its more fun to watch your team win then lose, but you need to lose now so we can get a better player and potentially get to see them win much more, much longer in the long run. Yes draft picks aren't a sure thing, but a higher pick DOES increase the odds of a better player, and as bad as the suns are at drafting they need all the advantages they can get.
  • Abuse
    movingaz wrote...
    Package
    Trade Scola and Beasley in the Off Season insert the Morris Twins into the starting line up and put Tucker on the bench as well.
  • Abuse
    Garrettdrake55 wrote...
    You can't be upset for winning
    I understand the whole "Lose now, win later" idea. But it's the job of the players and staff to win ball games. There is nothing wrong with winning. If we lose spots in the lottery then so be it.
  • Abuse
    dannyrocks1984 wrote...
    @Danthemind
    You make a good point. Even though the Suns don't have a good history of drafting, to be fair, it's not all that often that they have had a chance to get such a high pick.
  • Abuse
    Whatashame wrote...
    rdgroce
    At least the twelve year olds are happy.
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