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Suns streak into matchup with Lakers

Dec 28, 2014 - 3:49 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Phoenix Suns are clicking on all cylinders and will continue a four-game road trip Sunday night against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.

The Suns have won five in a row after losing six straight and opened the road trip with Friday's 115-106 win at Sacramento. Suns reserve Isaiah Thomas scored 17 points in his return to Sacramento and posted eight points during a 16-2 second-half run that lifted Phoenix to a season-high fifth straight win.

Marcus Morris also had a big night for the Suns, hitting 6-of-7 attempts from 3-point range to finish with 20 points. Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris contributed 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Goran Dragic had 16 along with six assists.

"We got a big lift from Marcus," Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said. "When we are making the shots, we're getting good looks."

Phoenix has won four in a row on the road and is 10-7 away from the desert. It will also visit New Orleans and Oklahoma City on the trek.

The Lakers have lost two in a row and five of their last six games, including Friday's 102-98 setback at Dallas.

Carlos Boozer scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Los Angeles, which played without Kobe Bryant for a third straight game. Nick Young totaled 15 points with Jordan Hill and Wayne Ellington adding 12 points apiece.

"What have I learned? That we would love to have him in the lineup," Lakers coach Byron Scott said of Bryant's absence. "I think these three games prove that we do need him on the floor."

Bryant has been dealing with soreness and is listed as probable Sunday. He is averaging 24.6 ppg this season.

The Lakers are 4-10 at home and have lost the first two meetings with the Suns this season. The Pacific rivals will meet again Jan. 19 in Phoenix.

The Suns have won nine of the past 12 meetings with LA, but are only 3-10 in the past 13 games as the guest in this series.