ATLANTA — Trae Young delivered an impressive performance, scoring a season-high of 43 points, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 122-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. This win put an end to the Suns’ three-game winning streak, despite Devin Booker’s strong showing with 35 points for Phoenix.
Kevin Durant played a significant role in the game, contributing 31 points to his team’s efforts, with 14 of those coming during a productive third quarter. He also secured nine rebounds for Phoenix (19-20), marking their 11th consecutive loss in Atlanta. The Suns are still in search of their first victory in this city since March 24, 2014.
The Hawks (20-19) faced challenges with key players De’Andre Hunter (suffering from left foot soreness), Larry Nance Jr. (dealing with a right hand issue), and Jalen Johnson (struggling with right shoulder inflammation), who missed his fourth straight game. This left rookie Zaccharie Risacher tasked with the tough job of defending Durant, an experience Hawks coach Quin Snyder referred to as “unique.”
Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, Young managed to excel, hitting six three-pointers and converting 11 of 14 free throw attempts, crucial for the Hawks’ offense.
In terms of individual performances, Bradley Beal made his return for the Suns after being sidelined in the third quarter due to a sore left ankle, finishing the night with 11 points. Additionally, Booker achieved a season-best by sinking seven three-pointers.
First-half performances highlighted the teamwork of Young and Garrison Mathews, who together made 8 of 11 from beyond the arc, assisting the team to a 64-56 lead at halftime, with Mathews contributing 19 points.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred as the Suns began the second half, where Durant spearheaded a 20-6 run to take the lead. However, the Hawks quickly responded, ending the third quarter with a strong 14-3 surge to lead 89-87 heading into the final period. Atlanta then saw contributions from Dyson Daniels and Bogdan Bogdanovic, both of whom hit threes to maintain the lead for the rest of the game.
One standout statistic featured Onyeka Okongwu of the Hawks, who scored 22 points and recorded a career-high 21 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor.
Looking ahead, the Suns continue their five-game road trip with a matchup against Washington on Thursday, while the Hawks prepare to visit Chicago on Wednesday night.
