Onyeka Okongwu etched his name in Atlanta Hawks history on Tuesday night, becoming the first player in franchise history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound double-double off the bench. His impressive performance fueled the Hawks to a 122-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena.
The Nigerian-eligible center delivered a commanding performance, contributing 22 points, 21 rebounds, one assist, and one steal. This impressive display relegated starting center Clint Capela to the bench, who managed only three points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes of play.
This marks Okongwu’s second 20-point game of the season, having previously scored a season-high 28 points in the Hawks’ season-opening victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
While All-Star guard Trae Young showcased his offensive prowess with a season-high 43 points, five assists, three steals, and three rebounds, it was Okongwu’s dominance that stole the spotlight.
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Despite a combined 66 points from Devin Booker (35) and Kevin Durant (31), the Suns couldn’t overcome the Hawks’ strong performance. The loss snapped the Suns’ three-game winning streak.
Reflecting on his impactful performance, Okongwu expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team’s victory. He also credited the four-day rest period leading up to the game, stating, “I’m glad I was able to help out in some way. The four-day rest we had helped us come into the game feeling fresh and energized.”
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