After a big win in Orlando against the Magic on Wednesday, the Suns began the 15th of 18 back-to-back sets this season Friday against the Nets.
In an incredible back and forth the game, the Suns stormed back from down 15 to end the fourth quarter on a 16-1 run to tie the game in regulation.
Phoenix then outscored the Nets 16-8 in overtime (including a clutch basket from Brandon Knight) to come away with a huge 108-100 win over Brooklyn, their second victory in a row.
A few observations as the Suns go to 33-30 on the year:
3. The Morris brothers did a little bit of everything
In 44 games as a reserve, Marcus Morris is averaging 10.4 points while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three-point territory.
But starting for the Suns against the Nets, Marcus had an opportunity to contribute more with increased playing time (41 minutes total).
Marcus Morris finished with 19 points, seven boards, four steals and two assists. "Mook" also took a charge late in the game that ended up being a major shifting point.
Markieff Morris had 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
"We kept fighting," Marcus Morris said afterwards. "We knew we needed this one. We just stayed together and continued to fight."
2. Brandan Wright's best game as a Sun
Brandan Wright is probably known more for his defense than anything. In fact, Wright (10th, 2.4 blk/36) and Alex Len (4th, 2.7) give the Suns two of the NBA’s leaders in blocks per 36 minutes among qualified players.
Wright had an impressive all-around game against the Nets tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block.
His versatility could be huge for the Suns during their final stretch of games.
1. "Just smile."
Entering the game, the Suns ranked tied for 6th in the NBA with 9.4 three-point makes per game and 9th with a three-point percentage of 35.5 percent.
However, against the Nets on Friday, Phoenix shot just 3-for-26 from the three-point line.
The Suns still managed to shoot over 40 percent from the field in spite of their uncharacteristically cold shooting night from downtown. But perhaps most important and encouraging, they kept fighting and stuck together until the end.
"Our guys never quit," Hornacek said.
After the game, Marcus Morris said that Jeff Hornacek told the team to "just smile" when they were 0-for-20 from downtown at one point. The advice seemed to loosen the team up and certainly paid off - especially during the 16-1 run to end the fourth quarter.