Streaking Suns return home to meet Charlotte

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Phoenix Suns just swept a four-game eastern road trip and return home to US Airways Center Saturday night to host the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Suns knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers on their trip, but did lose their last home game before they embarked on the trek.

On Thursday, Goran Dragic and the Suns pulled off a surprising 102-94 win over the Pacers, snapping Indiana's 10-game home winning streak in impressive fashion.

The Suns, playing their fourth game in five days, raced out to a 19-point lead in the first half and withstood Indiana's furious comeback.

"For a team that's trying to prove themselves to come in and beat a great team like this on their court is big for us," Phoenix head coach Jeff Hornacek said.

Dragic, who was overlooked as a reserve for the Western Conference All-Star team, spearheaded the upset with 28 points and seven assists, while Marcus Morris and Gerald Green both chipped in 16 points in the victory. Markieff Morris added 15 points off the bench for Phoenix.

The Suns will play four of their next five at home.

The Bobcats earned their second consecutive victory Friday night when they knocked off the Los Angeles Lakers, 110-100. They are now 2-0 on a four-game western swing which will see them visit the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Al Jefferson eclipsed the 30-point mark for the third straight game and matched a career-high with 40 points in the Charlotte triumph from Staples Center. Jefferson also grabbed 18 boards and handed out four assists.

"I had my moments. I stayed with it and got hot," said Jefferson, who has scored 20 or more in 11 straight.

Gerald Henderson dropped 20 points, while Ramon Sessions handed out 13 assists in the victory. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist managed 10 points for the Bobcats, who have won four of their last six.

It was a special victory for Bobcats coach Steve Clifford. He was the lead assistant coach for the Lakers last season before getting his first crack as a head coach.

The Suns defeated the Bobcats by eight in Charlotte on Nov. 22 and have taken four straight in this series. Phoenix is 7-2 against the Bobcats in their own building.