In a thrilling Hawks vs Suns showdown, the Atlanta Hawks completed a stunning comeback to beat the Phoenix Suns 124–122 on Sunday night. The Hawks erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to close out their four-game Western road trip with a dramatic win, extending their streak to five.
A Fourth-Quarter Masterclass
Sun’s Blowout Gone Cold
The Hawks vs Suns game looked bleak for Atlanta early on. The Suns built a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 37–20 and stretching the lead to a commanding 103–81 with less than ten minutes remaining. Phoenix looked poised to close it out, but Atlanta had other plans.
Hawk Rally Led by Alexander‑Walker
Nickeil Alexander‑Walker sparked the comeback with a torrid fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 26 total points in that decisive frame. His aggression and shot-making provided the backbone of the rally, giving Atlanta a reliable go-to in crunch time.
All‑Around Impact from Johnson and Okongwu
Jalen Johnson posted a nearly flawless all-around game, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His versatility and energy were vital for sustaining the momentum. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu powered the frontcourt with 27 points, including a few timely buckets and clutch defensive plays when the game hung in the balance.
Dyson Daniels also stepped up, tallying 11 points and 12 assists, offering poise and playmaking to help the Hawks stay organized down the stretch.
Tactical Breakdown: How Atlanta Pulled It Off
Phoenix’s Missed Opportunities
In the Hawks vs Suns contest, Phoenix’s dominance in the third seemed decisive—but they mismanaged key moments down the stretch. Despite controlling the glass for much of the game, the Suns struggled with turnovers and rushed possessions in the fourth. Crucial late-game decisions broke down, and the Hawks pounced.
Dillon Brooks carried much of Phoenix’s offense with 34 points, and Devin Booker added 27, but their late offensive execution faltered when they needed it most. Mistimed shots and fatigue gave Atlanta the opening to strike.
Atlanta’s Resilience and Depth
What made the Hawks’ comeback particularly impressive was how balanced and deep it was. This was not just a hero-ball finish — Atlanta leaned on multiple players: Alexander‑Walker, Johnson, Okongwu, and Daniels each made critical contributions. Their fourth-quarter run was underpinned by defensive intensity, disciplined execution, and some high-risk, high-reward plays.
Coach Quin Snyder’s adjustments proved effective, particularly in reinforcing the importance of composure. Atlanta tightened up defensively, limited second-chance opportunities, and made the Suns pay for sloppy possessions.
Momentum Shift & Significance
A Statement Road Trip Finish
This Hawks vs Suns victory completes a perfect four-game trip out West. For Atlanta, that’s a major boost — not just in the win column, but in confidence. Blowing out deficits and closing games on the road shows resilience and maturity, especially for a young, hungry roster.
Setback for Phoenix
The Suns came into this matchup riding a five-game winning streak. Losing in such a dramatic fashion raises concerns about their ability to close out tight contests. Despite the individual heroics, their late-game breakdown suggests they might lack the poise or structure to survive aggressive comebacks. This loss could be a defining moment in how they manage pressure moving forward.
Key Players Making the Difference
- Nickeil Alexander‑Walker (ATL): A fourth-quarter force, his clutch scoring turned the tide.
- Jalen Johnson (ATL): His all-court contributions — scoring, rebounding, assisting — were central to the comeback.
- Onyeka Okongwu (ATL): Provided heavy lifting inside with points, defense, and presence.
- Dyson Daniels (ATL): Steady playmaking and composure helped keep the offense cohesive.
- Dillon Brooks (PHX): High-volume scorer, but not enough help in crunch time.
- Devin Booker (PHX): Delivered offensively, but the Suns faltered when it mattered most.
What’s Next for Both Teams
- Atlanta Hawks: Riding momentum, the Hawks return home with renewed belief. They’ll need to build on this resilience and carry this energy into their next stretch of games.
- Phoenix Suns: The Suns must regroup quickly. The loss underscores the need for better late-game execution and smarter decision-making under pressure if they want to contend. Key adjustments, both tactically and mentally, will be vital.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com
Date: November 17, 2025
