Atlanta (USA), May 5 (EFE) .- Swiss center Clint Capela contributed a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds that put him in front of a list of seven Atlanta Hawks players who had double-digit numbers and they beat the Phoenix Suns 135-103 by beating.
The Suns started the night tied with the Utah Jazz in the race for the NBA’s best record, thanks to a five-game winning streak.
But Phoenix faded badly in the fourth quarter of the straight series after Tuesday night’s 118-134 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atlanta outscored Phoenix with a 38-15 run in the final 12 minutes of the game.
Atlanta led 97-88 before scoring the first 14 points of the fourth period. Rookie power forward Onyeka Okongwu had the first three baskets of the period and scored 14 points as a reserve.
The Hawks extended their lead to 23 points, 111-88, before the Suns finally scored their first goals of the quarter with two free throws from forward Cameron Payne.
By then, Suns coach Monty Williams had all of his starters on the bench.
Point guard Trae Young added another double-double of 16 points and 12 assists. Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and Italian power forward Danilo Gallinari also had 16 points for the Hawks, who started the night fifth in the Eastern Conference and remain 37-30 after winning three straight games.
Capela backed in the inside game for his 45th double-double in 59 games. Young posted his 27th double-double since the season began.
The Hispanic guard Devin Booker, who scored 30 points, was the leader of the Suns, and forward Mikal Bridges, who scored another 18 points, were the only ones who could overcome the barrier of 10 points.
The Suns lead the NBA with 22 road wins, but the Hawks continued their strong recent game at home. The Hawks earned their seventh straight victory at home and have won 15 of their last 17 at Atlanta. The Suns suffered their seventh consecutive loss in Atlanta.
(c) EFE Agency