Suns beat Spurs behind Markieff Morris, T.J. Warren
Oct 20, 2015, 8:53 PM
Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris, right, looks to pass around San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, of France, during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in San Antonio. Phoenix won 104-84. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
(AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO — Markieff Morris had 17 points and the Phoenix Suns had four others in double figures, outrunning the San Antonio Spurs 104-84 on Tuesday night.
Kawhi Leonard had 14 points to lead San Antonio, which lost for the fourth time in five preseason games. LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs’ prized free-agent signing, was held to nine points for the second straight home game. Aldridge made his first attempt, a 20-foot jumper from the right wing off a drive-and-kick by Tony Parker, but finished 4 for 10.
The Spurs played deliberately on offense, working to get the ball to Aldridge early in the game. The Suns played more freely, taking advantage of 43-33 advantage in rebounds.
Phoenix had 24 fastbreak points compared to just six by San Antonio, bolstering Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s pre-game declaration that his team needed to improve its transition defense.
Phoenix finished 11 for 21 on 3-pointers.
Morris had a pair of 3-pointers during an 12-2 run for a 61-50 lead with eight minutes left in the third quarter.
SUNS: F T.J. Warren had 15 points, including a fast-break layup after stripping Leonard of his dribble near midcourt in the first half. … Morris was 3 for 3 on 3-pointers, raising his preseason percentage to 54 percent on 7-for-13 shooting from long range.
