Devin Booker exited with a devastating right ankle injury as the Atlanta Hawks stormed back to defeat the Phoenix Suns 110-103 on Friday night. The star guard’s absence turned the tide after Phoenix led 91-84 late in the third quarter. What happened next showcased the Hawks’ resilience and depth.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Hawks defeated Suns 110-103 on January 23, 2026 at State Farm Arena
- Devin Booker Injury: All-Star guard rolled right ankle with 5 seconds left in Q3 after stepping on Onyeka Okongwu’s foot
- Jalen Johnson MVP Performance: 23 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists for his NBA-leading 30th double-double
- Hawks Fourth Quarter: Atlanta dominated the final frame 26-12 after Booker left the game
Booker’s Nightmare Exit Defines Pivotal Moment
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Devin Booker was on fire before the injury struck hard. The four-time All-Star had tallied 31 points through three quarters, including five three-pointers. He was running back down the court with his attention away when disaster struck. The Phoenix star stepped directly on Okongwu’s foot and his right ankle crumpled beneath him. Medical staff helped him off immediately. Booker did not return to the game. The injury’s severity remains unclear heading forward. Phoenix’s offense stalled dramatically without their go-to scorer.
The Suns led comfortably entering the fourth with 91-84 advantage. But without Booker’s scoring punch, the offense completely faltered. Atlanta exploited the void with aggressive defense and fast-paced basketball. The Hawks showed championship mentality when opportunities emerged. Momentum swung decisively toward Atlanta in crunch time.
Jalen Johnson’s Near Triple-Double Fuels Rally
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Jalen Johnson was relentless throughout Friday’s contest. The Hawks forward filled the stat sheet with sublime efficiency and effort. Twenty-three points came alongside eighteen rebounds and nine assists, one away from a triple-double. Johnson scored twelve points solo in the decisive fourth quarter. His defensive intensity pressured the Suns repeatedly. Johnson’s rebounding dominance controlled possession battle entirely.
This was Johnson’s 30th double-double of the season, leading the entire NBA in that category. He’s emerged as Atlanta’s most consistent two-way performer, anchoring both offense and defense. The young star’s explosiveness completely overwhelmed a struggling Phoenix team. Johnson proved essential to the Hawks’ late-game execution.
Okongwu Dominates with 25-Point Effort
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Onyeka Okongwu | 25 | 5 | 5 |
| Devin Booker | 31 | N/A | N/A |
Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with an impressive 25 points on efficient 9-15 shooting. The center added five rebounds and five assists, showcasing complete two-way production. Okongwu nailed three three-pointers including a crucial 25-footer late. He was perfect from the line at 4-4. Two steals highlighted his defensive contributions. Okongwu’s reliable inside presence gave Atlanta stability during the critical rally.
“Hawks rally to beat Suns 110-103 after Phoenix loses Devin Booker to injury.”
— AP Sports Wire, Game Summary
Atlanta’s Dominant Fourth Quarter Seals Victory
The Hawks completely dominated the final frame without mercy. Atlanta outscored Phoenix by a decisive 26-12 margin in quarter four. This 14-point fourth quarter advantage proved to be the game-winning differential. The Suns collapsed on both ends of the floor. Without Booker anchoring the offense, Phoenix couldn’t generate consistent scoring. Atlanta’s defense tightened significantly, forcing multiple turnovers and missed shots. The Hawks’ bench contributed meaningfully during this surge.
This dominant fourth quarter exemplified Atlanta’s championship aspirations. The team showed real mental toughness when facing adversity that could have derailed momentum entirely. Coach Quin Snyder orchestrated adjustments that neutralized Phoenix’s remaining weapons. The victory marks a sweep of the season series between these two competitive squads.
What Does This Mean for the Phoenix Suns Moving Forward?
Devin Booker’s injury immediately becomes the defining story. The severity of the ankle roll will determine his availability for upcoming games. The Suns were simultaneously battling injuries to Jalen Green, their other young star. If both players miss time, Phoenix’s playoff aspirations face meaningful pressure. The team’s depth will be tested immediately. Basketball observers will be watching Monday’s injury reports closely. Can the Suns absorb these losses without derailing their season’s trajectory?
Watch: Full Game Highlights from Hawks Victory

Sources
- ESPN – Complete game recap with detailed box score statistics and play-by-play analysis
- NBA.com – Official box score, injury updates, and post-game commentary from team broadcasters
- Associated Press – Game summary covering Booker injury and Hawks’ fourth-quarter rally momentum

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.

