Injuries Decimate Suns in Friday Loss to Hawks

The Phoenix Suns end their road trip 3-3 and continue their road losing streak against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns drop to 27-18 on the season after their close 110-103 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

After injuries to both Jalen Green and Devin Booker, the Suns were unable to overcome their lack of scoring down the stretch as Atlanta made the most of their opportunities in crunch time. The Suns remain winless in Atlanta since 2014.

The Hawks, led by Jalen Johnson's near 23/18/9 triple-double, shot above 50% from the field and behind the three-point line. They emerge from State Farm Arena with the win despite turning the ball over 21 times.

Recap:

Pre-Game Reading

The Suns haven't won in Atlanta since 2014, though Phoenix appears to be well set up to do so. The Suns have a 55% chance to win against the Hawks, according to ESPN's analytics.

Jalen Green is back in the Suns' lineup and ready to roll following his return from a hamstring strain that's kept him sidelined for nearly every game this season. After scoring 12 points in 20 minutes coming off the bench, we'll see how Green responds to his second game healthy.

READ: Preview of Tonight's Suns vs Hawks Matchup

This will be the last of a six-game road trip for Phoenix before the return back to the friendly walls of Mortgage Matchup Center, though head coach Jordan Ott says this trip has been beneficial for the Suns.

"I just think we just continue to get better. Even when it doesn't feel great, we find ways to win. We're implementing a big piece on the fly here and I thought even though the end of the game didn't feel great, but we'll learn from that," Ott added after their win over the 76ers earlier this week.

The Suns' defense will have to be up to task tonight, as the Hawks lead the NBA in assists per night with 31. Atlanta's also top five in team categories such as steals (9.5) and total three-pointers made (669).

READ: Suns Have Known Trade Interest in NBA All-Star

Phoenix is third in steals per night at 10.2 and are a top-five team in terms of points allowed at 111.8 per game.

As mentioned above, Devin Booker's in hopes of snagging his first win in Atlanta, as the Suns haven't beat the Hawks on the road since March of 2014.

“It’s the last one to mark off the list,” Booker said (h/t Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic). “I’ve been in the NBA too long to not have a win in every arena. Definitely one I’ve had highlighted. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Opening tip tonight between the Suns and Hawks is set for 5:30 PM MST at State Farm Arena.