Hawks Stun Suns 124-122 in Epic Comeback Without Trae Young

Atlanta overcomes 22-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Phoenix in thriller

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:06am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of orange, purple, and blue, conceptually representing the dynamic action and energy of a basketball game.A cubist interpretation of the Hawks' thrilling comeback victory over the Suns, capturing the game's intensity and drama through a fragmented, geometric lens.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks pulled off an incredible comeback against the Phoenix Suns, overcoming a massive 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 124-122 victory on November 16, 2025. Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with 27 points, while Nickell Alexander-Walker contributed 26 points, including a crucial free throw in the final seconds. The Hawks achieved this impressive feat without their star players Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, who were both sidelined with knee injuries.

Why it matters

This game highlights the depth and resilience of the Hawks, who were able to overcome the absence of their two key players and defeat a strong Suns team. It raises questions about the Hawks' ability to maintain their winning streak without Young and Porzingis, and how this will impact their overall season performance.

The details

The Suns led for most of the first half, but the Hawks fought back, taking a 13-point lead before Phoenix mounted a late comeback. Dillon Brooks scored 34 points for the Suns, while Devin Booker added 27. However, the Hawks' determination and defensive execution ultimately prevailed. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta's rising star, scored 15 points before leaving the game with a left hip contusion in the fourth quarter.

  • The game was played on November 16, 2025.
  • Zaccharie Risacher left the game in the fourth quarter with a left hip contusion.

The players

Onyeka Okongwu

A key player for the Atlanta Hawks, who led the team with 27 points in the comeback victory against the Phoenix Suns.

Nickell Alexander-Walker

A crucial contributor for the Hawks, scoring 26 points, including the game-winning free throw in the final seconds.

Dillon Brooks

A standout player for the Phoenix Suns, scoring 34 points in the losing effort.

Devin Booker

A star player for the Phoenix Suns, adding 27 points in the game.

Zaccharie Risacher

A rising star for the Atlanta Hawks, who scored 15 points before leaving the game with a left hip contusion in the fourth quarter.

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What they’re saying

“We showed a lot of heart and determination to come back from that big deficit. The guys really stepped up when we needed them most.”

— Nate McMillan, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks

“It's tough to lose a game like this, but we'll learn from it and come back stronger. Our guys fought hard, but the Hawks just made the plays when it counted.”

— Monty Williams, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

What’s next

The Hawks will look to continue their winning streak at home against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, while the Suns will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, aiming to bounce back from this heartbreaking loss.

The takeaway

This game showcases the depth and resilience of the Atlanta Hawks, who were able to overcome the absence of their star players Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis to defeat a strong Suns team. It raises questions about the Hawks' ability to maintain their momentum without their key players, and how this will impact their overall season performance.