Young scores 36 as Hawks beat short-handed Suns 116-107

ATLANTA (AP)— Trae Young scored 25 of his 36 points in the second half and theAtlanta Hawks beat the short-handed Phoenix Suns, still awaitingthe arrival of newly acquired Kevin Durant, 116-107 on Thursdaynight.

After leading56-47 at halftime, the Hawks extended their lead to 20 points inthe third quarter.

Josh Okogiehad 25 points and Deandre Ayton added 23 points and for Phoenix,which had its three-game winning streak end.

The Suns hadonly nine players available after trading Cam Johnson and MikalBridges as part of a package for Durant, the 13-time All-Star,before Thursday’s trade deadline. Durant did not join his new teamfor the game, but the anticipation for his arrival is growing.

“You can puthim on any team and he’s going to fit,” Suns guard Landry Shametsaid of Durant before the game. “He knows how to play. He’s playedin a number of different systems. He’s insertable in any of them.You can throw it to him and he’s going to go score every time. He’sgoing to make the right play.”

The Hawksalso made roster adjustments after two trades. Atlanta tradedJustin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky and two second-round picks toHouston for shooting guard Garrison Matthews and center BrunoFernando. The 6-foot-9 Fernando began his career in Atlanta in the2019-20 season.

The Hawkswere still awaiting the league’s approval of their addition formerDetroit small forward Saddiq Bey as part of a three-team trade andsent five second-round draft picks to Golden State.

Atlanta led93-75 after three quarters before Phoenix scored the first ninepoints of the final period. Young sank a jumper to end the Suns’run, and his 3-pointer from the front of the halfcourt logo gaveAtlanta a 104-91 lead.

DejounteMurray had 19 points and John Collins had 16 for Atlanta.

The Hawks,coming off a 2-3 road trip, played only their sixth home game of2023. They play 17 of their final 27 regular-season games athome.

“It’s good tobe back home, but we have to take advantage of this home stretchthat we have,” coach Nate McMillan said before the game.

TIP-INS

Suns: F DevinBooker (groin), F Cameron Payne (right foot sprain) and Shamet(right foot soreness) were unavailable.

Hawks: With12 assists, Young recorded his 27th double-double of the season. Heposted his 61st consecutive game with at least 10 points and fiveassists, leaving him five games away from matching Oscar Robertson(66) for the fourth-longest streak in NBA history. ... Clint Capelahad 17 of the Hawks’ season-high 59 rebounds.