The Phoenix Suns (16-19) begin their first of a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks (19-18) on Thursday.

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

Bradley Beal scored a game-high 25 points off the bench, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 123-115 win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.Grayson Allen and Kevin Durant added 23 points apiece

Before the recent game, Bradley Beal deliberately avoided the Phoenix Suns' pre-game huddle due to trade rumours

Before the game against the Hawks, the Suns had a pre-game huddle like any other team would, and typically all the players join in. Beal didn't, though, avoiding the team huddle. It seems the locker room chemistry is only getting worse, and having a star like Beal on the bench will certainly make that happen.

After Trae Young's heroics lifted them to a road win vs Utah on Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks hoped to finish their six-game road trip with a win vs Phoenix. Atlan

Beal is clearly a very, very good player but his massive contract and no-trade clause make moving him almost impossible, so head coach Mike Budenholzer opted to have his $50 million man come off the bench.

The Atlanta Hawks play against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center The Atlanta Hawks are spending $9,011,590 per win while the Phoenix Suns are spending $13,308,285 per win Game Time: 9:00 PM EST

The Phoenix Suns (16-19) begin their first of a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks (19-18) on Thursday.

Bradley Beal, in his new role as a reserve, stood out in the victory against the Atlanta Hawks (123-115) with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 ... Read More

It was as if the basketball gods were testing the Phoenix Suns, wanting them to prove they are worthy of winning a regular season basketball game.