It has been a turbulent past few weeks for Jusuf Nurkić who has seen his playing time plummet, and another new experience this season happened to him against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.

Jusuf Nurkić did not play in the Phoenix Suns' victory over the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night. What does it mean for his future in Phoenix?

The Phoenix Suns didn’t defend in the first half, failed to protect the ball late, but still defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 123-115, Thursday night before a sellout crowd of 17,071 at Footprint Center. The Suns bounced back from an embarrassing 11-point loss Tuesday at then seven-win Charlotte to end a three-game road trip to top Atlanta after allowing 72 points on 60% shooting (12-of-18 from 3) in the first half.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was a healthy scratch from Thursday's win against the Atlanta Hawks at Footprint Center.

After trading for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to pair with Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns were expected to be one of the better teams in the Western Conference if not downright title favorites. Since getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs last season, they currently stand at a pitiful 17-19 on the season.

Watching his team come together and pull off a 123-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer was pleased with the effort and the adjustments that were made.

He was suspended three games without pay after a fight with two Dallas Mavericks players that led to all three being ejected in a Dec. 27 game at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Nurkic came off the bench for the first time since his third NBA season when returning to the team from suspension for Monday’s game at Philadelphia.

Kevin Durant, who accounted for more than a third of the Phoenix Suns’ points, commented on the team’s offensive difficulties and Jusuf Nurkić’s involvement in a heated clash with Naji ...

Trae Young hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from beyond the halfcourt line to give the Atlanta Hawks a 124-121 victory over the Utah Jazz

Receiving major bench contributions from both Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen, the Phoenix Suns won 123-115 over the Atlanta Hawks. Beal led the Suns (17-19) with 25 points and both Allen and Kevin Durant scored 23 apiece.

As he left the arena Thursday night, Beal didn’t sound like someone ready to give in. His role has changed. He has not.

Phoenix Suns' head coach Mike Budenholzer gave a blunt response after their crushing loss to the Charlotte Hornets.