Three Western Conference clubs staged dramatic victories Sunday, highlighted by Atlanta’s 22-point comeback in Phoenix, Dallas’s overtime triumph over Portland and Utah’s double-overtime decision against Chicago.
Hawks 124, Suns 122
Atlanta closed a perfect five-game road swing by erasing a 22-point deficit and outscoring Phoenix 47-25 in the fourth quarter. Forward Jalen Johnson recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker supplied 26 points and Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 27 points with five assists.
Rookie wing Zaccharie Risacher ignited the turnaround with multiple steals that led to transition baskets before exiting with a hip contusion following a hard fall. Head coach Quin Snyder praised his club’s “competitive endurance” after the fourth contest of the trip. The Hawks return home Tuesday to face Detroit.
Mavericks 138, Trail Blazers 133 (OT)
Dallas ended a 1-7 stretch by holding Portland scoreless from the field in overtime. Rookie Cooper Flagg delivered 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks, P.J. Washington matched him with 21 points and seven boards, and Daniel Gafford added 20 points in 30 minutes.
After committing seven turnovers in the opening period, Dallas coughed the ball up only five times the rest of the way and went 7-for-7 from the floor in the extra session. Washington’s five three-pointers steadied the Mavericks early in the fourth quarter, and Flagg’s late basket forced overtime. Portland received 91 combined points from Deni Avdija (29), Jerami Grant (26) and Shaedon Sharpe (36).
Jazz 137, Bulls 132 (2OT)
Utah stayed within play-in range by edging Chicago in a double-overtime thriller. Lauri Markkanen tallied a season-high 47 points, and second-year guard Keyonte George scored 34 while adding six assists and four steals. George, who is shooting better than 92 percent at the free-throw line this season, hit several clutch shots after halftime.
Rookie Ace Bailey fouled out in 10 minutes, but Brice Sensabaugh provided timely offense and defense throughout both extra periods. The Jazz secured the win despite being without center Walker Kessler.
Source: Hoops Wire
