Thursday’s victory against the red-hot Phoenix Suns, may have been the best win for Atlanta all year. Coming into the matchup, the Suns had knocked off 11 in-a-row, including a victory against the Brooklyn Nets the night before. Despite being a game-time decision, Trae Young was able to play and put up the kind of night that justifies his place in the league as a bonafide superstar.
Young had a sensational outing, as he was en route for 43 points on 64% shooting from the field, hit 6 three-pointers and even chipped in 5 assists, as well. No one could stay in front of Young all night. Except for a couple forced turnovers to start the game, ‘Ice Trae’ made mincemeat out of a high-level Phoenix defense. Mikal Bridges is one of the best defenders in basketball and he struggled chasing Young around. Young’s progress on his mid-range game and three ball is elevating him into good company. Despite shooting 35.1% from deep over his career, Young has bumped that up to 38.2% this season.
The Hawks’ offense as a whole should also be highlighted. Atlanta shot a scorching 48.8% from three-point range as a team, going 20-of-41, compared to Phoenix’s 28.1%, shooting 9-of-32. Kevin Huerter, again, had a huge night in the first half, netting four threes in the second quarter alone. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari also added five three’s between the two of them. A huge part of the Atlanta’s success from three should be attributed to ‘Bogi,’ who notched six assists after getting into the paint on a handful of drives.
Devin Booker had 10 first quarter points, and was a force to be reckoned with as a true three-level scorer. He finished the game with 32 points. Cam Johnson was keeping Atlanta’s lead in check during the first half, going 3-of-4 from distance himself. Things became more muddied during the final period where both teams cooled off, setting the stage for the Trae Young show. With just under a minute to play an errant possession led to a three-ball from Young to extend the lead to nine. Young hit the dagger shot with only 11 seconds remaining.
A big match-up looms against the Toronto Raptors Friday night, and considering that both teams are so close in the standings, this could end up being key in playoff seeding. This is the second time this week Atlanta has played Toronto, and the Hawks will make the trip across the border into Canada. Tip-off for this one is at 7:30pm eastern.
