A whole greater than the sum of 2 Morris twins
A week after making his Suns debut, Marcus Morris starred in a win over Atlanta that gave the Suns consecutive victories against winning teams for the first time since midDecember. The Suns often talk about how Marcus Morris’ presence has rejuvenated his twin brother Markieff Morris’ energy and spirit, but the move has done as much for Marcus.
The Morris twins, or Team FOE (Family Over Everything), as they prefer, accounted for 16 of the Suns’ final 27 points in closing out the Hawks.
“That’s how it’s supposed to be,” Marcus said about them finishing the game together.
“That’s how it should be,” Markieff said moments later on the same topic.
Basketball never stops because their analysis starts on the ride home and extends through video games and meals. After a game, they
‘‘ As you can see, I know none of the plays. By having him on the court, he’s telling me the plays while it’s happening. The connection is special for me.” MARCUS MORRIS Suns forward, on playing with his twin brother, Markieff
watch it to critique one another.
They liked what they saw in Friday’s review, especially Marcus’ 16point, five-rebound, two-steal game. After his clutch 3-pointer was overshadowed by Wes Johnson’s miraculous 3 at San Antonio, Marcus made two 3s in the fourth quarter Friday to stave off Atlanta.
Marcus has shot 48 percent in five Suns appearances and already has eight steals in 80 minutes of play. On the league’s second-worst 3point-shooting team, Marcus has made six of 10 3s.
Marcus’ rapid acclimation was helped by spending the summer at Markieff’s Phoenix house and getting to know the city and the Suns staff as they trained at US Airways Center. All of that still does not approach their symbiotic side.
“It brings a different side out of both of us — a toughness,” Marcus said. “It’s just there. I just feel comfortable with him on the court. He’s always making me feel comfortable. As you can see, I know none of the plays. By having him on the court, he’s telling me the plays while it’s happening. The connection is special for me.
“I just never had the opportunity to get out there and play. The Suns organization has given me the opportunity to play, compete and be myself. I’m adjusting well.”
With no Suns game until Wednesday, the twins are house-hunting for a place with two master bedrooms to set roots in the Valley.
Markieff has looked more at home with Marcus, going from having his second consecutive sub-40 percent shooting season to making 47 percent of his shots in five games with Marcus. In that time, Markieff has averaged 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds off the bench with an extra pep to him.
“We’re trying to get that chemistry between us and bring it back to the team,” Markieff said. “I know Marcus had a lot more. In Houston, they used him the wrong way. Now, he’s home with mewhere he needs to be, and he’s going to show what he can really do.”
Free throws
» Interim head coach Lindsay Hunter on using centers Marcin Gortat and Jermaine O’Neal together: “That poses a lot of problems when you beat the first line of defense and you’ve got those two guys to try to get around. It’s tough.”
» Dragic went between the legs with passes recently on Brandon Bass, Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw and Nikola Pekovic. “That’s the easiest pass to make because big guys are putting their arms up and their feet are spread,” Dragic said. “I always tell Marc(in), ‘ Hey, be ready, because it’s coming.’
» Phoenix Suns Charities is seeking nominations for the Spirit of Cotton Award, given to an Arizona high school basketball coach who excels as a coach, educator, mentor and community leader. In honor or Suns Ring of Honor member Cotton Fitzsimmons, the winner’s school athletic program will receive a $10,000 grant. To download a nomination form, visit SunsCharities.org.