Phoenix-suns vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions January 9th 2025

Trae Young, Hawks Aim to Deepen Suns’ Struggles

Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, fresh off a thrilling victory in Salt Lake City, look to cap their six-game road trip with another win Thursday as they face the struggling Phoenix Suns. The Hawks are riding high after Young’s half-court buzzer-beater against the Jazz, while the Suns are desperate to turn things around after a disappointing stretch.

Hawks Riding Momentum

Atlanta (18-17) snapped a three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 124-121 win over Utah, thanks to Young’s heroics. The All-Star guard delivered 24 points and a season-high 20 assists, further solidifying his position as the NBA’s assist leader with 12.2 per game. Young’s 427 total assists this season outpace second-place Tyrese Haliburton by nearly 100.

Head coach Quin Snyder praised Young’s growing maturity in managing games:

“Knowing when it’s time to give the ball up and when it’s time to impress himself on the game from a scoring standpoint, that’s a growth process for him,” Snyder said.

Young has scored 20 or more points in 10 of his last 11 games, consistently leading Atlanta’s offense. However, the Hawks will miss Jalen Johnson (19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds) for the third straight game due to a shoulder injury. De’Andre Hunter, averaging 19.7 points, will need to step up in Johnson’s absence.

Suns Searching for Stability

The Suns (16-19) are mired in a slump, losing five of their last six games and holding a 2-8 record since mid-December. Their most recent defeat, a 115-104 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, exposed ongoing struggles, particularly with three-point shooting. Phoenix connected on just 8 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc (24.2%) against Charlotte.

Despite strong performances from Devin Booker (39 points) and Kevin Durant (26 points), the Suns faltered in the second quarter, allowing the Hornets to seize control with a 26-6 run.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the need for consistency:

“The first quarter we were in a great spot, and then in the second quarter we couldn’t maintain what we did. It’s always a 48-minute game,” Budenholzer said.

Durant ranks fifth in the NBA with 27.4 points per game, while Booker sits at 14th with 24.6. Despite their star power, the Suns have struggled to find success, holding their worst record through 35 games since the 2019-20 season.

Key Matchup: Young vs. Suns’ Defense

Trae Young’s ability to orchestrate Atlanta’s offense will test a Suns defense that has shown vulnerability during their recent skid. With Young distributing the ball effectively and taking clutch shots when needed, Phoenix will need a disciplined defensive effort to contain him.

Meanwhile, the Hawks must contend with the dynamic duo of Durant and Booker, who remain a constant threat despite the Suns’ struggles. Atlanta’s defensive rotations will need to be sharp to limit Phoenix’s scoring opportunities, particularly in transition.

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High Stakes in the Desert

For the Hawks, Thursday’s game is an opportunity to close out their road trip on a high note and build momentum heading into the second half of the season. For the Suns, it’s a chance to reset at home and start their three-game homestand with a much-needed victory.

As Young looks to continue his hot streak and the Suns aim to regain their footing, fans can expect an intense and competitive clash in Phoenix. Whether it’s Atlanta’s balanced attack or Phoenix’s star power that prevails, this matchup holds significant implications for both teams’ seasons.