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Hawks road trip ends with loss in Phoenix
Jan 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) battles for the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up their longest road trip of the season with a 123-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns. This defeat brings the Hawks back to .500 with a 19-19 record. While the loss is disappointing, it’s important to put the trip into perspective.
Going into this six-game, two-week road trip, projections had the Hawks winning two games. That’s exactly what they did, securing victories in the two games where they were favored. The other four games, including this one against the Suns, saw the Hawks as considerable underdogs.
West Coast trips are notoriously difficult for East Coast teams, and this one was no exception. The Hawks were without Jalen Johnson for four of the six games, including the matchup in Phoenix. Johnson’s absence has been significant, with the team struggling when he’s off the floor.
Breaking Down the Game
Defensively, the Hawks struggled throughout the game, allowing the Suns to score at an efficient clip. Phoenix shot 58% from the field and 39% from three-point range. The Suns were particularly effective in the paint and on floater-range shots, an area where the Hawks struggled offensively.
On the offensive end, the Hawks had a tale of two halves. They shot lights out in the first half, especially from beyond the arc, making 12 of 18 three-pointers. This hot shooting helped them take a four-point lead into halftime.
However, the second half was a different story. The Hawks’ offense sputtered, scoring just 43 points on 15 of 41 shooting from the field and 3 of 14 from three-point range. This offensive drought, particularly in the third quarter, allowed the Suns to take control of the game.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Hawks. Bogdan Bogdanovic had a strong game off the bench, providing a much-needed offensive spark. Zaccharie Risacher also played well, albeit in limited minutes, and David Roddy enjoyed an offensive mini-explosion in the first half.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ performance against the Suns, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Detailed player evaluations from the Suns game
• Discussion on rotation decisions and playing time distribution
• Preview of upcoming home game against the Houston Rockets
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Soaring Down South has a stark message for the team: These three players should be gone by the trade deadline.
Ranking With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Atlanta Hawks’ position in the latest power rankings is analyzed, providing insights into their performance and potential moves. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Hawks wrap up marathon road trip with loss in Phoenix Episode 1884 highlights a shotmaking exhibition for both teams in the first half, David Roddy’s (brief) revenge, defensive struggles, a tale of two halves on offense, curious rotation decisions, and much more.
Awards contenders, Hawks mailbag, and Suns preview The show begins with a check-in on the NBA awards contenders from the Atlanta Hawks including Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter, Dyson Daniels, and Trae Young. Then, the episode shifts to answering mailbag questions and previewing Thursday’s game between the Hawks and the Phoenix Suns to conclude the team’s marathon road trip.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks escape Salt Lake City with a walk-off win Topics for Episode 1882 include Trae Young’s 50-foot game-winning shot, another 20-20 game for Atlanta’s lead guard, the absence of Jalen Johnson, the Hawks’ defense on Lauri Markkanen, and much more.
