Hawks Rally Past Suns in Thrilling Comeback Victory

In a thrilling showdown on Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks staged a remarkable comeback against the Phoenix Suns, overcoming a daunting 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 124-122 victory. The game kept spectators enthralled right until the final buzzer, showcasing the Hawks' tireless determination and teamwork.

The standout performer for the Hawks was Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who totaled 26 points, with a remarkable 16 of those scored in the critical fourth quarter. Each time the Hawks needed a crucial shot, Alexander-Walker delivered, demonstrating composure and leadership in a high-pressure situation.

Jalen Johnson also made significant contributions, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds, adding strength to Atlanta’s inside game. Onyeka Okongwu was pivotal as well, netting 27 points and executing several key plays as the clock wound down. Dyson Daniels facilitated the offense effectively, contributing 11 points and 12 assists for a double-double that helped extend the Hawks’ winning streak to five games and keeping their road trip flawless at 4-0.

On the other side, Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 34 points, while Devin Booker added 27 points and Collin Gillespie chipped in 15 points, alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. Earlier in the game, the Suns appeared to be in complete control, riding a five-game winning streak prior to this encounter.

Following a formidable 28-4 scoring run, the Suns held a significant 97-77 lead entering the fourth quarter. With just 10 minutes remaining, they further increased their advantage to 103-81, leaving many fans believing victory was safely secured. The Hawks, however, were not done yet and gradually chipped away at the lead.

In an impressive display, Atlanta executed a sudden 20-0 run to tighten the score to 107-106 with just over four minutes remaining. Even when Phoenix responded and regained a six-point lead, the Hawks refused to relent.

In a pivotal moment, Okongwu scored on an alley-oop to give the Hawks a 117-116 edge with over a minute left. Every possession became crucial, with both teams trading points amidst growing tension. Johnson's two free throws put Atlanta up by three, only for Booker to quickly pull them back to within one.

Okongwu's clutch free throws stretched the Hawks' lead to two with mere seconds left. Although Phoenix had a final chance after forcing a jump ball, Alexander-Walker’s free throw sealed the victory with 3.1 seconds on the clock. The Suns had a last-ditch effort with Brooks’s long shot, but it bounced off, sealing a memorable comeback for Atlanta.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher suffered a left hip contusion and did not return after stumbling following a dunk. The Suns played without Grayson Allen, as the Hawks were also without Kristaps Porzingis due to knee soreness.

Atlanta's impressive fourth quarter, where they outscored the Suns 47-27, proved vital, marking a significant victory achieved through resilience and collective effort—a win the Hawks will savor for quite some time.