Johnson's near triple-double and Okongwu's scoring surge ignited a late fourth-quarter run, securing a crucial Hawks victory.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Phoenix Suns 110–103 on Friday night at State Farm Arena, leaning on a late defensive push and another dominant all-around performance from Jalen Johnson.
The game stayed tight for most of the night, and Atlanta nearly let it slip away during a shaky third quarter. The Hawks opened the period on a quick 6–0 run but struggled to stay organized offensively, turning the ball over nine times in the quarter. Phoenix took advantage just enough to keep things close, but Atlanta responded the way it needed to — with defense and rebounding — once the game reached winning time.
After Devin Booker exited late in the third quarter with an ankle injury, the Hawks took control. Atlanta outscored Phoenix 26–12 in the fourth quarter, closed possessions on the glass, and forced rushed shots that never allowed the Suns to recover. Phoenix finished with just 12 points in the final frame after leading by five at halftime.
Onyeka Okongwu led Atlanta in scoring with 25 points, adding five rebounds and five assists. Johnson followed with a near triple-double — 23 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists — continuing a stretch of play that has erased any remaining debate about his All-Star credentials. It marked Johnson’s third straight game with at least 15 rebounds, and his presence was felt on both ends throughout the night.
Johnson said the rebounding focus was a clear point of emphasis after the teams’ previous meeting.
“I think closing out with rebounds,” Johnson said. “I think that’s key for us. I think the first time we played them, I forgot how many offensive rebounds they had in the first half, but I think it was like 14 or something like that. So yeah, we limit those second-chance opportunities tonight, and you’re going to win a lot of games when you give up a 12-point fourth quarter.”
CJ McCollum provided a steady lift off the bench with 21 points, attacking when Atlanta needed offense and helping stabilize the game during uneven stretches.
Johnson also reached a personal milestone Friday, scoring the 3,000th point of his career early in the first quarter. The moment came in transition after a steal, when Nickeil Alexander-Walker shoveled the ball to Johnson behind a Suns defender, setting up a powerful dunk.
Atlanta was again without Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porziņģis, but the defensive urgency was noticeably sharper than it had been earlier in the week. Hawks coach Quin Snyder pointed to discipline and competitiveness late as the difference.
“To come out tonight and be able to grind out a win, in front of our home crowd, is really important,” Snyder said. “I think people can feel the way our team competes on the defensive end late, and that’s what won the game.”
Snyder also highlighted McCollum’s impact when the offense stalled.
“I mean, CJ made some big plays for us,” Snyder said. “He’s got the ability when we weren’t getting pressure, we needed to attack to create. I would add that we want to be selective. He is selective about our shot profile.”
Before leaving the game, Booker had poured in 31 points, the game high. Atlanta had trailed by five at halftime and needed a composed finish to avoid another close loss.
Instead, the Hawks secured a much-needed win, improving to 22–25 on the season and 8–13 at home. After losing four straight games before this mini run, Atlanta has now won two in a row and will look to carry that momentum forward as the All-Star break approaches.
The Hawks are scheduled to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday, though a projected winter storm and ice warnings across parts of Georgia could impact travel and game conditions.