PHOENIX, AZ – The Phoenix Suns turned a tight game into a second-half showcase, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 123-115 on Thursday night at the Footprint Center. With the win, the Suns improved their record while highlighting the depth and balance of their roster.
First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game began with both teams exchanging early runs. Atlanta started hot, fueled by Trae Young’s dynamic playmaking and Bogdan Bogdanovic’s outside shooting. The Hawks built a slim 72-68 lead at halftime, despite a balanced scoring effort from the Suns led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Defensive lapses plagued Phoenix in the first two quarters as Atlanta capitalized on second-chance opportunities and hit timely shots. Clint Capela was a force in the paint, recording 11 rebounds to go along with his 10 points by the end of the night.
Second Half: Suns Find Their Groove
Coming out of the break, Phoenix wasted no time shifting the momentum. A 7-0 run, initiated by Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones, gave the Suns their first lead of the half. Bradley Beal, coming off the bench, provided a spark by attacking the rim and hitting tough mid-range shots. His sequence late in the third quarter, including a buzzer-beating layup, gave Phoenix a 98-92 advantage heading into the final period.
Devin Booker orchestrated the offense with precision, recording a game-high 12 assists alongside his 20 points. “Our focus was on sharing the ball and keeping the tempo in our favor,” Booker said postgame.
Closing It Out
In the fourth quarter, Phoenix’s defensive adjustments and offensive execution shined. Beal and Booker continued to attack Atlanta’s defense, with Kevin Durant adding timely baskets to extend the Suns’ lead to 10 points midway through the quarter.
Atlanta didn’t go quietly, narrowing the gap to five points with just over a minute remaining. However, Grayson Allen’s driving layup with 35.6 seconds left proved to be the dagger, sealing the Suns’ victory.
Key Performers and In-Depth Analysis
Beal led all scorers with 25 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-15 from the field. His ability to score at all three levels off the bench was crucial for Phoenix. “Coming off the bench, I just wanted to provide a spark,” Beal said. “We knew we had to step up in the second half, and everyone contributed.”
Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen each tallied 23 points, with Allen showcasing his ability to space the floor and attack the rim. Tyus Jones added 16 points, providing stability in the backcourt. Mason Plumlee anchored the paint with a team-high 10 rebounds.
On the Hawks’ side, Trae Young scored 21 points and dished out seven assists, but his efficiency waned as the game progressed. Bogdanovic contributed 17 points, and Clint Capela’s double-double highlighted Atlanta’s interior dominance early.
Depth and Chemistry on Display
This victory highlighted several developing storylines for the Suns. Bradley Beal’s seamless transition into a sixth-man role continues to pay dividends, allowing the Suns to stagger their stars effectively. Meanwhile, Devin Booker’s evolution as a playmaker was evident as he controlled the game’s pace while keeping teammates involved.
The Suns’ depth was a major factor in the win. Five players scored in double figures, a testament to the team’s balanced offensive attack. “We’re building chemistry and finding ways to win as a unit,” Booker said.
Praying For a Turnaround
With their second win in three games, the Suns are beginning to build momentum in a competitive Western Conference. They’ll look to capitalize on their home-court advantage in the next stretch of games. For the Hawks, this loss marks the end of a 2-4 road trip, and adjustments will be needed to regain consistency.
This victory offered a rare bright spot in what has otherwise been a frustrating and underwhelming season for the Suns. Despite boasting a star-studded roster, Phoenix has struggled to meet lofty preseason expectations, with inconsistency and injuries hindering their progress. Still, Thursday’s win showcased the potential this team has when its key players are healthy and in sync.
If the Suns can build on this performance, particularly with Bradley Beal embracing his role and Devin Booker continuing to develop as a playmaker, there is hope that they can finally turn their season around and climb back into the Western Conference playoff race.
