In a thrilling NBA matchup on Friday night, the Atlanta Hawks emerged victorious, defeating the Phoenix Suns 129-120. Trae Young, with an impressive performance of 32 points and 15 assists, led the Hawks to success. Young, despite not being chosen for the upcoming All-Star game, showcased his prowess by shooting 7 for 11 from beyond the arc and contributing three steals. This win marked the Hawks’ third consecutive triumph.

Young’s Stellar Performance

Despite not making it to the All-Star roster, Trae Young’s focus remains on winning games rather than individual accolades. Hawks coach Quin Snyder noted that Young’s exceptional performance was driven by a desire to win rather than personal recognition. Young expressed his willingness to participate as an injury replacement if called upon, potentially marking his third All-Star appearance.

Supporting Cast Shines

Bogdan Bogdanovic, coming off the bench, played a crucial role in the Hawks’ victory. He demonstrated his sharpshooting ability by hitting 4 of 7 shots from long distance, finishing the game with 23 points. Dejounte Murray and Jalen Johnson also made significant contributions, scoring 22 and 16 points, respectively.

Defensive Challenges for the Suns

The Suns, led by star player Kevin Durant’s 35 points, faced defensive challenges throughout the game. Despite Durant’s impressive performance, the Hawks managed to outscore and outrebound the Suns, showcasing their defensive prowess.

Young’s Strategic Deep Threes

Trae Young’s ability to sink deep threes proved to be a strategic advantage for the Hawks. His long-range shooting not only pulled the defense out but also created opportunities for his teammates. The Suns attempted to trap Young to slow him down, but his adept ball-handling skills and accurate shooting thwarted their efforts.

Turning Point: Hawks’ 11-0 Run

A pivotal moment in the game came during an 11-0 run by the Hawks at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth. Five different team members contributed to this scoring spree, establishing an 104-95 lead for Atlanta.

Injury Updates

Saddiq Bey of the Hawks suffered an ankle sprain late in the first half, impacting his second-half participation. Meanwhile, De’Andre Hunter, who recently returned from a 19-game absence, sat out due to a knee injury but is expected to play in the upcoming game against the Warriors.

Upcoming Matches

The Phoenix Suns will face the Wizards on Sunday in the final game of a seven-game road trip, while the Atlanta Hawks are set to host the Warriors on Saturday.

Sources: NBA Stats