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Struggling Hawks to face surging Suns

Jan 29, 2008 - 2:48 PM Atlanta (18-22) at Phoenix (32-13) 9:00 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) - Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks will be looking to break out of a recent funk when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

The Hawks were one of the early surprises in the Eastern Conference, jumping out to a 14-12 record as of December 26 - the latest the club had been over .500 since the franchise's last trip to the playoffs in the 1998-99 season.

But they have managed just four wins in 14 games since, falling in five of their last six contests. Johnson, who leads Atlanta in scoring at 21.6 points per game, has managed just 15.3 in the last three games.

The Hawks suffered a 94-93 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday despite shooting 53 percent (41-of-78) from the floor. Johnson scored 19 points and dished out 11 assists in the setback.

Johnson, who was traded by the Suns to Atlanta after the 2005 season, has averaged 27.5 points per game in two games back at Phoenix.

The Suns continue to be one of the top teams in the NBA, leading the league in scoring at 109.5 points per game. They have won six of their last seven with an emphasis on defense, allowing less than 100 points in four of their last seven.

Phoenix defeated the Chicago Bulls, 88-77, on Sunday - the lowest point total the team had allowed all season. Amare Stoudemire scored 24 points in the victory.

The Hawks defeated the Suns in Atlanta on November 7, 105-96. Josh Smith scored 22 points to lead the Hawks while Johnson dished out 10 assists.