Hawks sweep Suns, but lose Zachary Rizacher

Phoenix held his match, his rhythm, his lead… and let it all slip away. Despite dominating for three quarters, the Suns crumbled in short order to ultimately lose 124–122 to Hawks heroic, able to overcome 47 points in the final quarter after trailing by as many as 22 units.

The start of the match was messy for both sides, but the Hawks quickly showed more composure and fluidity. If Phoenix was overwhelmed (8/28 in the first quarter, 1/12 on 3-pointers), Atlanta knew how to take advantage of the opponent’s mistakes to take the lead (25-21). Despite the huge work on the jump – already 10 offensive players in the first act! — The Suns lack the skills to take advantage of it.

Phoenix controls… then breaks

The Phoenix bench then made the real difference: Colin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Chris Dunn injected energy, the balls circulated better and Dillon Brooks electrified the room. Down 21–7 at halftime, even the Suns returned to the locker room leading (58–57), despite 22/53 shooting.

Back from the locker room, Dillon Brooks continues his show. Phoenix is ​​turning up the intensity, the defense is getting more aggressive, the rotations are tightening, and the arm flaws are disappearing. The score: 15–0 at the end of the third quarter, 37 total points in the period and a comfortable 95–77 lead. The Suns seem to have come to a meeting then.

Furthermore, Phoenix maintained the lead throughout the opening minutes of the final quarter to take a 22-point lead. The bench is jubilant, everything is working… then something breaks. First, a defensive oversight. Then a bad shot. Then an abandoned jump. In a few seconds, the dynamic changes completely.

Risacher’s Glide

Zachary Rizacher steals two straight possessions and sparks Atlanta in transition. Nickeil Alexander-Walker multiplies attacks from the circle, Onieka Okongwu dominates inside, and Jalen Johnson continues his recital. The gap melts inexorably: +12… then +6… then +4. Phoenix is ​​clearly panicking about rushing possessions, forced shots and lost identity in the game.

With 45 seconds left, Atlanta takes the lead (119–118) thanks to Alexander-Walker. Back, the refs send Jalen Johnson to the free throw line after a Devin Booker foul. Jordan Ott’s “challenge” was unsuccessful, and it was on the throws that the Hawks won 124-122 for their fifth win in a row.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Rizacher is out due to injury. Crucial to the Hawks’ comeback, Zachary Rizaher was injured after taking a hard and impressive dunk. The author of 15 points, the Frenchman stayed on the ground for a long time before leaving the field. First verdict: a large bruise on the hip.

Rizacher with a SCARY fall and Mark Williams did NOT care pic.twitter.com/I1Sh5KskZNv

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) November 17, 2025

Phoenix Scuttles. The Suns had a recipe for victory: 47 rebounds to 34, 16 offensive rebounds, 37 points in the third quarter… But they also left too many open doors: 17 turnovers; too many busy things; lack of defensive discipline in the last quarter.

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.