Hawks vs Suns final score: Atlanta falls in shootout 129-120

The Atlanta Hawks wasted another great offensive performance with a sub par defensive effort in a 129-120 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Atlanta has now lost three straight and 11 of their last 12.

Phoenix set the tone early pushing the ball while attacking Atlanta's defense. The Hawks gladly joined the shootout and the Suns took a 40-37 lead after one. Phoenix continued to pour it on in the second as they took advantage of Atlanta's poor defensive effort on the perimeter. The Suns knocked down 12-18 three-point attempts in the first half and many of those were uncontested looks set up by Phoenix's penetration. When the dust settled, Atlanta was left playing catch up after falling behind 14 and allowing 79 points in the first half.

The Hawks put up a better effort in the third holding the Suns to just 23 points and 35 percent shooting. Atlanta pulled to within one at 95-94 on a layup by Shelvin Mack but Phoenix responded with a 7-1 run to push the lead back to 102-95 heading to the fourth. Atlanta would get as close as six in the fourth but was unable to get a key stop when they needed it the most.

Jeff Teague turned in another solid performance offensively finishing with 29 points and nine assists. Mike Scott added 20 in just his second start of the season while Kyle Korver knocked down 6-7 from three-point range to finish with 18. Rookie Mike Muscala made his NBA debut and finished with four points, five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes.

Gerald Green scored 23 of his 33 points in the first half to lead the Suns. Markieff Morris added 21 points off the bench while Goran Dragic chipped in 19 points and eight assists. The Suns racked up a 56-30 advantage in bench points for the game.

Atlanta's road trip continues on Wednesday with a stop in Portland against the TrailBlazers.