Devin Booker faces a critical test tonight as the Phoenix Suns battle the Atlanta Hawks. The explosive scorer is shooting a career-worst 30% from three. Can Booker break his historic drought on the road?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Suns Record: 27-17 on the season, riding a 3-game winning streak into Atlanta
- Hawks Record: 21-25 overall but 7-13 at home, Hawks won first matchup 124-122
- Booker Stats: Averaging 25.3 PPG this season but just 30% from three, his lowest ever
- Game Time: Friday, 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena, Suns favored by 3.5 points
Phoenix Pushing Momentum Against Atlanta Defense
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The Suns arrive in Atlanta fighting for a fourth consecutive victory after dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 116-110 on Wednesday night. Phoenix knocked down 16 three-pointers with perfect 20-for-20 free throw shooting in that win. Jalen Green made his long-awaited return off the bench, adding 12 points after missing 33 games with a hamstring injury.
Green is expected to join the starting lineup against the Hawks, giving the Suns added firepower. The three-game road winning streak has positioned Phoenix to climb further into playoff position. Winning tonight creates separation in the Western Conference race.
Hawks Playing Inconsistent But Opportunistic Basketball
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Atlanta enters the matchup struggling at home with their 7-13 record inside State Farm Arena. The Hawks won the season series opener 124-122 in November on Devin Booker’s home court. Onyeka Okongwu led that victory with 27 points and solid interior defense against Phoenix’s weakness with big men.
The Hawks’ defense reveals cracks, allowing opponents over 117 points per game on average. Yet Atlanta ranks tenth in offensive efficiency, generating consistent scoring chances. Their home court disadvantage versus a red-hot Suns team creates urgency for coach Snyder’s squad.
Booker’s Historic Three-Point Slump Defines Tonight
Devin Booker faces his most challenging shooting stretch in NBA history. His career-worst 30.0% three-point percentage dramatically contrasts his usual 35.1% career average. The guard attempted over five threes per game but ranked 95th among 103 high-volume three-point shooters. Some recent games saw him shooting just 28% from distance in stretches.
| Factor | Suns | Hawks |
| Record | 27-17 | 21-25 |
| Recent Form | 12-4 in last 16 games | Struggling, 1-4 ATS last 5 |
| Star Player | Devin Booker, 25.3 PPG | Jalen Johnson, 32 PPG, 15 REB |
“The Suns moved to 12-4 over their last 16 games and 27-17 on the season following a 116-110 win over the 76ers Wednesday night.”
— NBA.com Official Game Preview, January 23, 2026
Return of Jalen Green Transforms Phoenix Lineup Depth
Jalen Green’s return signals a significant upgrade for Phoenix’s offensive flexibility. The 23-year-old guard played 20 minutes against Philadelphia after missing since November with right hamstring strain. The Suns acquired Green in the Kevin Durant trade, pairing him with Booker and Dillon Brooks as offensive weapons.
Green’s expected starting lineup promotion provides the Suns with another reliable scorer. His defensive intensity and high-volume three-point attempts give Phoenix multiple layers. This lineup adjustment forces the Hawks to defend more perimeter shooters, potentially freeing Booker for less contested opportunities.
Can Booker Rediscover His Shooting Form Against Atlanta Tonight?
Will Devin Booker finally snap his three-point shooting struggles? The All-Star has shown flashes of brilliance, scoring 27 points against Philadelphia and 31 points against the Warriors in recent weeks. Yet consistency remains elusive when defending elite guards. The Hawks’ vulnerable perimeter defense presents an ideal opportunity.
Tonight’s matchup offers Booker the perfect stage to break free from his historic drought. Phoenix’s road form remains dominant at 14-5 away from home. Can the Suns make it three straight victories? Will Booker return to star-level efficiency? The answers arrive at 7:30 PM ET.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official game preview and standings data for Phoenix Suns vs Atlanta Hawks 2025-26 season
- ESPN Stats – Devin Booker career statistics and three-point shooting percentage analysis
- Fox Sports – Game odds, predictions, and matchup analysis for Friday January 23 contest
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.