Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a season-high 30 points, Devin Booker added 27 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Atlanta Hawks 128-112 on Thursday night.
Phoenix (7-4) took a 104-90 lead into the final quarter after Oubre hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third and kept a comfortable lead throughout the fourth. The Suns are off to their best start through 11 games since 2009, when they started 9-2.
Oubre’s big performance came two nights after his worst of the season. He scored just one point in 19 minutes in a loss to the Lakers.
Atlanta Hawks guard DeAndre' Bembry drives past Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoMatt York)
Dario Saric added 23 points after shooting 9 of 12 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range.
Atlanta (4-7) was led by Jabari Parker, who scored 24 points. Trae Young had 21 points and 13 assists two nights after a 42-point, 11-assist performance in a win over Denver.
Booker scored 19 points in the first half as the Suns built a 67-61 halftime lead. Young had 17 points and six assists for the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks guard Allen Crabbe looks to shoot as Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoMatt York)
MISSING PIECES
Both the Hawks and the Suns were missing key pieces to their teams because of 25-game suspensions for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug program.
Suns center Deandre Ayton played in just one game before being suspended for using a diuretic. Hawks forward John Collins tested positive for a growth hormone called Peptide-2.
Atlanta Hawks center Damian Jones (30) dunks over Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoMatt York)
Ayton was the No. 1 pick one year ago and had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his only game this season. Collins was averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds before his suspension.
BEMBRY, REDDISH EJECTED
Hawks guard DeAndre’ Bembry was ejected in the third quarter after getting called for two quick technical fouls.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young drives against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoMatt York)
He got the first technical for taunting after blocking Ricky Rubio’s shot. He earned the second a few seconds later for arguing. Booker also was called for a technical during the commotion.
Rookie Cam Reddish was ejected with about four minutes left after getting two flagrant fouls on two separate plays on offensive fouls when he hit a Suns defender in the face with his elbow.
TIP-INS
Hawks: Kevin Huerter (left shoulder), Evan Turner (left Achilles pain) and Vince Carter (personal reasons) didn’t play on Thursday. Coach Lloyd Pierce said the Hawks are relieved that Huerter doesn’t need surgery for his injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Suns: Rookie guard Ty Jerome still hasn’t played this season because of a right ankle sprain he suffered just before the beginning of the regular season.
UP NEXT
Hawks: Continue their road trip at the Clippers on Saturday.
Suns: Host the Celtics on Monday.
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