Imagine watching your team surge to victory, only to see their star player hobble off the court, potentially changing the entire season's trajectory. That's exactly what happened in Atlanta on Friday night, January 23, 2026, as the Hawks clawed their way to a 110-103 win against the Phoenix Suns. But here's where it gets controversial: Was the Hawks' victory truly earned, or did Devin Booker's unfortunate injury tip the scales in their favor? Let's dive into the details.
Jalen Johnson had a monster game for Atlanta, exploding for 23 points and grabbing a career-tying 18 rebounds. This performance marked his league-leading 30th double-double of the season, solidifying his place as a dominant force in the paint. Onyeka Okungwu also contributed a significant 25 points, providing the Hawks with much-needed offensive firepower.
The game's turning point arrived late in the third quarter. Up until then, the Suns appeared to be in control, holding a comfortable 91-84 lead. But then disaster struck. Devin Booker, who had been torching the Hawks' defense for a game-high 31 points, suffered a right ankle injury and was forced to leave the game. Before exiting, Booker also managed to secure four rebounds and dish out three assists, showcasing his all-around impact. The immediate aftermath saw the Hawks seize the momentum, capitalizing on Booker's absence.
CJ McCollum, a recent acquisition from the Washington Wizards in a trade that sent Trae Young the other way (a move that still has fans debating its merits!), continued his impressive scoring streak. He poured in 21 points off the bench, marking his 34th consecutive game reaching double-digit points. McCollum also added four rebounds to his stat line. Remember that trade? It also brought Corey Kispert to Atlanta. And this is the part most people miss: how quickly McCollum has integrated into the Hawks' offense. Some analysts argue that his scoring prowess has helped offset the loss of Young's playmaking, while others believe that Young's departure ultimately hurts the team's long-term potential. Where do you stand on this?
The Hawks' fourth-quarter performance was particularly impressive, outscoring the Suns 26-12. As a team, Atlanta shot a solid 43 of 81 from the field, including a respectable 13 of 26 from beyond the arc. This victory marked the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. Earlier in mid-November, Atlanta had edged out Phoenix with a narrow 124-122 victory.
Prior to this game, the Hawks had snapped a five-game losing streak with a hard-fought 124-122 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Injury woes continue to plague the Hawks, as they played this game without Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles tendinitis), Zaccharie Risacher (left knee contusion), and N'Faly Dante (torn ACL).
Looking ahead, the Suns will seek to rebound as they host the Miami Heat on Sunday, while the Hawks will look to build on this win as they host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
So, circling back to the initial question: Did the Hawks truly earn this victory, or was it a product of unfortunate circumstances for the Suns? Did Booker's injury overshadow a genuinely strong performance from Atlanta? And what are your thoughts on the Trae Young trade? Let's hear your opinions in the comments below!
