The Phoenix Suns’ three-game winning streak came to an end last night as they fell 122-117 to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. It marked the Suns’ 11th straight loss in Atlanta, a streak they hoped to snap in what turned out to be a closely contested battle.
A Night of Star Power
Devin Booker led the Suns with an electrifying 35-point performance, showcasing his scoring versatility and offensive aggression. Kevin Durant complemented him with a near triple-double effort, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Together, they fueled the Suns’ push to stay in the game, particularly during a third-quarter surge that briefly gave Phoenix the lead.
However, the Hawks responded behind the brilliance of Trae Young. The All-Star guard scored a season-high 43 points, including six three-pointers, and provided timely offense down the stretch. Young’s ability to control the pace and knock down big shots proved too much for the Suns’ defense, which struggled to get critical stops in the game’s final minutes.
Okongwu’s Dominance on the Glass
One of the key factors in Atlanta’s victory was the performance of Onyeka Okongwu. The Hawks’ center recorded 22 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, dominating the boards on both ends of the floor. His relentless energy in the paint gave the Hawks extra possessions and limited the Suns’ opportunities to get out in transition.
“He was a force,” Suns forward Kevin Durant said postgame. “We needed to match his energy, and that’s on all of us.”
Missed Opportunities in a Close Game
The Suns had their chances late in the game, tying the score at 101 with just over six minutes left. But a decisive 13-3 run by the Hawks, sparked by Garrison Mathews’ fifth three-pointer and Young’s clutch scoring, sealed the victory for Atlanta.
Phoenix also suffered a scare when Bradley Beal exited the game in the third quarter with a leg injury. Though he returned in the fourth and finished with 11 points, his absence during a crucial stretch hurt the Suns’ rhythm on offense.
Suns Fans Deserve Optimism
While the loss was disappointing, there were encouraging signs for Suns fans. The chemistry between Booker and Durant continues to improve, with both superstars finding ways to complement each other on the floor. Additionally, the bench contributed solid minutes, despite being outscored by Atlanta’s reserves.
The team will need to address its defensive lapses and improve its rebounding effort, but with three games left on this road trip, the Suns have ample opportunity to regain their momentum. Fans should take heart knowing that this squad, loaded with talent and experience, is built to learn from these moments and grow stronger.
As Phoenix moves forward, the path ahead isn’t about dwelling on past shortcomings—it’s about turning them into future triumphs.
