In a compelling matchup on Thursday night, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 123-115. Bradley Beal showcased an impressive performance, contributing 25 points while still adapting to his role off the bench. He was highly efficient, hitting 11 of 16 attempts from the field. Kevin Durant complemented Beal’s efforts with 23 points, while Devin Booker recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 assists, despite struggling with his three-point shooting (0 of 8).
A pivotal moment came just before the end of the third quarter when Beal scored a layup, allowing the Suns to lead 98-92 going into the final period. Grayson Allen played a crucial role as well, scoring 23 points and hitting his fifth three-pointer to extend the Suns’ lead to 120-105. Though the Hawks attempted a comeback, scoring 10 consecutive points, Allen secured the win with a critical layup with only 36 seconds remaining.
The Hawks had a balanced offensive effort with Trae Young leading the way, scoring 21 points and providing seven assists. Seven players from Atlanta reached double figures, but they faced challenges defensively against the high-scoring Suns, ultimately dropping to .500 for the season. This defeat marks their fourth loss in the past five games, compounded by the absence of forward Jalen Johnson due to shoulder inflammation.
For the Suns, this victory signifies a possible turning point as they aim to build momentum, having now won two of their last three games following a prolonged slump. With their core players finally healthy, the team is looking to capitalize on their talent and improve their standing in the league.
As the teams prepare for their next games—Atlanta facing the Houston Rockets and the Suns taking on the Utah Jazz—the upcoming matchups will be critical for both squads’ aspirations this season.
The Suns’ shooting performance stood out, as they finished the night shooting an impressive 57.6% from the field, a key factor in their success. This game potentially marks the beginning of a resurgence for the Suns as they work towards a stronger performance in the upcoming weeks.