Trae Young scored a season-high 43 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks past the Phoenix Suns 122-117 on Tuesday night. The win improved Atlanta’s record to 20-19 while ending Phoenix’s three-game winning streak. It was the Hawks’ 11th straight home win against the Suns.
Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, Young connected on six three-pointers and converted 11 of 14 free throws. He powered the Hawks’ offense, particularly in the first half, where he and Garrison Mathews combined for eight three-pointers, helping Atlanta to a 64-56 halftime lead. Mathews added 19 points off the bench.
The Suns, now 19-20, were led by Devin Booker’s 35 points, which included a season-high seven three-pointers. Kevin Durant contributed 31 points, with 14 coming in the third quarter, along with nine rebounds and six assists. However, Phoenix could not overcome Atlanta’s dominance on the boards and timely shooting.
Onyeka Okongwu was a force inside for the Hawks, recording 22 points and a career-high 21 rebounds. His efforts, including 10 offensive rebounds, helped Atlanta outpace Phoenix in second-chance opportunities. Vit Krejci and Dyson Daniels chipped in with 15 and 9 points, respectively, as the Hawks balanced their attack despite missing three key forwards.
The Suns struggled to find answers defensively, particularly against Young’s relentless scoring. Bradley Beal returned after briefly exiting with an ankle issue, finishing with 11 points in 28 minutes. Ryan Dunn added 14 points, while Grayson Allen scored 9 points off the bench.
Atlanta capitalized on Phoenix’s inability to protect the paint, scoring 20 second-chance points. The Hawks also held the Suns to 37.1% shooting from beyond the arc, limiting their high-efficiency perimeter game.
