In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-115, showcasing a strong offensive effort led by their star players. Bradley Beal was instrumental in the victory, contributing 25 points with an impressive shooting performance of 11 for 16 from the field. Kevin Durant also had a noteworthy game, scoring 23 points, while Devin Booker added a double-double with 20 points and 12 assists, even though he struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 0 for 8 from beyond the arc.
The game saw Beal make a critical driving layup just before the end of the third quarter, pushing the Suns to a 98-92 advantage heading into the final period. Grayson Allen played a pivotal role as well, scoring 23 points, including a key three-pointer that expanded the Suns’ lead to 120-105 with just over three minutes left on the clock. Although the Hawks attempted a late comeback by scoring 10 unanswered points, Allen’s tough layup in traffic with 36 seconds remaining ultimately secured the win for Phoenix.
On the Hawks’ side, Trae Young led the team with 21 points and seven assists, but despite seven players hitting double figures, Atlanta struggled to keep pace with the Suns. This loss brings the Hawks back to a .500 record for the season, marking their fourth defeat in five games. They missed forward Jalen Johnson, who was sidelined for a third consecutive game due to right shoulder inflammation.
For the Suns, this victory marks a positive step as they aim to shake off a slump that has persisted for almost two months. With the trio of Durant, Beal, and Booker finally healthy, they have the potential to build momentum moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Houston Rockets on Saturday, while the Suns will face the Utah Jazz on the same day. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to find stability and improve their standings in the competitive NBA landscape.
In summary, the Suns’ victory highlights their offensive prowess and offers hope for continued success with their key players returning to form.