Hawks Breaking the Losing Streak, Suns Struggling to Regain Form

Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns

The Atlanta Hawks (19-18) are set to face the Phoenix Suns (16-19) in an interconference clash Thursday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:00 p.m. EST. This matchup features two teams looking to build momentum after mixed results in recent outings. The last three meetings between these squads have been dominated by the home team, a trend both sides will aim to buck as they look for crucial victories.

Atlanta Hawks: Ending the Streak and Searching for Consistency

The Hawks snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday, thanks to a clutch shot by Trae Young, who led Atlanta to a dramatic 124-121 win over the Detroit Pistons. Young, who is currently leading the NBA in assists, continues to be the engine driving Atlanta’s offense. The Hawks rank 17th in offensive rating, but their fast-paced style—currently ranked 2nd in the league in pace—allows them to average the 6th-most points per game at 115.5.

Despite their offensive explosiveness, the Hawks have struggled with consistency, particularly in shooting efficiency. Atlanta ranks 20th in true shooting percentage and 19th in three-point shooting, yet they make up for it with their aggressive style, ranking 4th in field goal attempts at the rim and 5th in free throw attempts per game. Their ability to crash the boards has also been vital, as they rank 10th in offensive rebounding rate.

However, it’s on the defensive end where Atlanta’s weaknesses become most glaring. The Hawks are allowing the third-most points per game in the league (118.5) and have surrendered an alarming 127.5 points per game over their last four contests. Defensively, Atlanta ranks 20th in defensive rating and has the worst three-point defense in the NBA, a significant concern as they head into a matchup against a Phoenix team capable of shooting from beyond the arc.

Phoenix Suns: Struggling to Find Their Rhythm

Phoenix enters this game having dropped five of their last six, including a tough 11-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets. With a 10-8 home record, the Suns will hope that playing on their home court can help them bounce back. Phoenix ranks 11th in offensive rating, but recent struggles have seen them finish below 110 points in five of their last six games. The Suns have a solid offensive efficiency across all three levels, ranking in the top 10 in field goal percentage, three-point shooting, and free throw percentage. However, their offensive rebounding struggles (27th in the league) and low frequency of rim attempts (fewest in the league) have limited their scoring potential.

One area where Phoenix can excel is in limiting turnovers. The Suns rank 11th in turnover rate and have been proficient at getting to the free-throw line. Their defense, however, has been a major point of concern. Phoenix is 22nd in defensive rating and has allowed at least 115 points to three of their last four opponents. The Suns also struggle to defend the perimeter, ranking 21st in three-point defense, and they’ve been inconsistent at defending the rim, where they rank 16th in field goal percentage allowed.

Defensively, Phoenix does have some strengths, notably in their ability to clean up the glass. The Suns rank 9th in defensive rebounding rate, but their inability to force consistent defensive stops has left them vulnerable against high-scoring teams.

Conclusion

While both teams have shown signs of inconsistency this season, Atlanta’s high-scoring offense, coupled with their fast pace, should be enough to edge out Phoenix. The Suns may keep it close, especially on their home court, but the Hawks’ offensive firepower and superior rebounding should ultimately secure the win.

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