Young’s All-Star Snub Motivates Hawks to Impressive Victory Over Suns

In a matchup against one of the hottest teams in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns, the Atlanta Hawks delivered a statement win on Friday night, fueled by a stellar performance from Trae Young. Despite the absence of De’Andre Hunter and Saddiq Bey’s early exit due to injury, the Hawks showcased resilience and determination, securing a 129-120 victory.

Young, notably snubbed from the All-Star Game, responded with an outstanding performance, scoring 32 points, distributing 15 assists, and shooting 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. His impactful steals and clutch plays in the fourth quarter emphasized his two-way abilities, earning him the crowd’s appreciation and a “Two-Way Trae” chant.

The game began as a high-scoring affair, with both teams exchanging baskets. Young’s exceptional playmaking and scoring prowess in the first quarter set the tone for the Hawks, who held a 33-30 lead by the end of the opening period. Despite early foul trouble for Clint Capela, the Hawks bench, led by Patty Mills and Bogdan Bogdanovic, stepped up to maintain momentum.

In the second quarter, Bogdanovic took center stage, contributing 12 points and showcasing his quick decision-making. The Hawks led 66-63 at halftime, with Young nearing a double-double, registering 17 points and 9 assists. The bench production, particularly from Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu, played a crucial role, outscoring the Suns’ bench 25-12.

The third quarter saw the Suns making a strong comeback, led by Devin Booker’s 13 points. However, the Hawks managed to respond with an 11-3 run, securing a 100-95 lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter became a showcase of offensive prowess, with Kevin Durant leading the charge for the Suns. Despite Durant’s heroics, Young’s clutch steals and precision shooting ensured the Hawks maintained control. The crowd at State Farm Arena erupted as Young stole the ball from Durant and nailed a three, solidifying the Hawks’ victory.

In addition to Young’s standout performance, Bogdanovic contributed 23 points, and Dejounte Murray added 22 points. The Hawks bench outscored the Suns’ bench 46-21, showcasing depth and versatility.

For the Suns, Durant had a remarkable game, scoring 35 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. Booker contributed 24 points, but the Hawks’ collective effort proved too much for Phoenix.

The victory marked the Hawks’ third consecutive win, coming at a crucial time in the season. With a quick turnaround, the Hawks face the Golden State Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back, providing another challenging test for the team. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30, and the Hawks aim to build on the momentum gained from this impressive win over the Suns.