Hawks’ woes continue with loss to Suns

The struggles continue for the Atlanta Hawks who suffered 109-107 loss to the Phoenix Suns to extend their losing streak to four-straight games.

Atlanta and Phoenix traded baskets early before the Suns used a 21-6 run to take a 36-27 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Hawks tightened the screws defensively in the second and was able to cut into the deficit thanks in large part to a good offensive performance from Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway scored eight of his 21 points in the second as Atlanta used a 15-3 run late in the half to cut the deficit to just 50-48 at the break.

The Hawks would keep things close from there, twice taking the lead by a single point only to watch the Suns answer. Kent Bazemore converted a pair of free throws with 2:14 remaining to cut the lead to just one at 98-97. Phoenix answered with an 8-2 run to seal the victory.

The loss spoils another good performance from point guard Dennis Schröder who finished with a career-best 31 points and nine assists. Bazemore added 22 while Dwight Howard logged another double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Atlanta shot 51 percent for the game but turned the ball over 22 times.

The Hawks played without leading scorer Paul Millsap who was sidelined due to a hip injury.

Brandon Knight came off the bench to score 23 points to lead the Suns. P.J. Tucker and Jared Dudley finished with 17 points each.

Atlanta goes 1-4 on their five-game road trip and has now lost seven of their last eight after a 9-2 start to the season. Atlanta is back at home on Friday for a matchup against the Detroit Pistons.