ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Hawks suspended guard Stephen Jackson for their game Tuesday night against Denver.

General manager Billy Knight said Jackson was being punished for conduct detrimental to the team. The GM wouldn't elaborate, but Jackson had a heated exchange with coaches in the locker room Saturday night after a loss in Cleveland.

Jackson, who joined the Hawks this season, is the team's third-leading scorer at 13.1 points per game. Last month, he vented his frustration with Atlanta's lackadaisical play.

``This team hasn't had a winning season and made the playoffs in I don't know how long,'' said Jackson, who played for the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs last season. ``You can't sit here and just wait for it to turn around. You got to do it, man.''

Things haven't gotten much better since Jackson spoke out. The Hawks have lost four in a row and six of seven, dropping their record to 6-15.

Jackson will be in uniform for a game at Memphis on Wednesday night.

``It's really not a big deal,'' Knight said. ``But essentially you have to establish what you expect and will tolerate from your team. You have to show some discipline and decorum.''

Jackson scored four points in 23 minutes in the 95-85 loss to the Cavaliers. He was cut under the right eye in the second quarter, requiring four stitches.

It hasn't been a good season for Jackson, who turned down a three-year contract to stay with the Spurs and wound up signing a one-year deal with Atlanta for less money.

``It's a tough situation for him because he came from a winning situation,'' Knight said. ``Losing takes its tool on different guys in different ways.''