Hawks rookie Trae Young put on a masterful performance against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, dropping 40 points and dishing out 11 assists in a narrow 135-134 loss. Despite the defeat, Young showcased his undeniable talent and maturation as a player in just his second season in the NBA.
Young came into the league as the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft and has since established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young players. He has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his flashy playmaking abilities and dynamic scoring, which were on full display in Wednesday’s game.
The 22-year-old guard has faced his share of criticism due to his small stature and questionable decision-making at times, but he’s steadily improved in both areas this season. He’s currently averaging 26.5 points and 9.4 assists per game, ranking him fourth in the NBA in both categories, solidifying himself as one of the best guards in the league.
Young’s dominance against the Wizards was evident from the start, as he scored 22 of Atlanta’s 41 first-quarter points. He continued to pour on the offense in the second half, scoring 16 more points in the third quarter alone, including a run of three consecutive three-pointers.
Young’s success wasn’t solely limited to scoring, though. He also recorded 11 assists, displaying his court vision and ability to find his teammates in the right spots. In fact, Young’s prolific scoring and facilitation earned him the distinction of being just the third player in NBA history, along with Oscar Robertson and Stephen Curry, to have three straight games with at least 35 points and 10 assists.
Despite Young’s incredible performance, the Hawks still fell just short against the Wizards. The loss may sting, but it’s clear that Young is primed for a bright future in the league. His versatility and scoring prowess make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he’s only going to continue to improve as he gains more experience.
Overall, Hawks fans have every reason to be excited about the future with Young leading the charge. His 40-point night against the Wizards was just a taste of what he’s capable of, and there’s no doubt that he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.