Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young’s 30 Not Enough vs. Portland

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks scored 30 but it wasn’t enough to beat the Trailblazers Saturday night, catch the rapid reactions here to a 9-point loss.

Some Atlanta Hawks fans might have been winding down for the night right around the 10 PM tip off in Portland Saturday night. Despite a tough fight, a rough (to say the least) end to the game was too much for the Hawks overcome, losing 120-111.

The Hawks had a sleepy start, falling behind by double-digits in the early going, but came back with a great 2nd to keep things close at the half. A high-scoring half had the Hawks up 1, 64-63.

After a uneventful third period, were the Blazers took a slight lead, the Hawks got very close in the 4th, before an untimely 13-0 Portland run put the nail in Atlanta’s night. The visiting Atlanta Hawks scored just 10 points in the final 7 minutes.

The Blazers shot well all night, even without their star point guard, Damian Lillard, out with a knee injury.  they shot 50%, riding the hot nights of CJ McCollum, who recorded his first ever triple-double, and Seth Curry, who was playing more like Steph.

Trae Young had one of his best games as a pro, scoring 30, his first time doing so since his 35 in October. He made 11 of his 15 attempts and capped his night off with 8 assists. His play continues to improve.

On another positive note, the Hawks turned the ball over just 10 times in the Moda Center, just 1 shy of their season-best. They had committed at least 15 in 9 of their last 10, so this is a welcome step in the right direction for the young team.

As we’ve seen all year, this team fought hard with a more talented squad, and refused to roll over. Not much more you can ask for, despite a loss.

Box Score Notes

• Kevin Huerter returned from a neck injury with 1 of 8 shooting, 0-5 from deep. Tonight was the first time he attempted at least 5 treys and didn’t knock one down.
• 5 Hawks in double-digits, two off the bench (Lin and Prince)
• 11 points, 4 steals and 3 blocks for Dewayne Dedmon, making his case for the best trade asset on the Hawks

Game 2 of the Atlanta Hawks’ longest road trip this season didn’t go as swimmingly as one might hope. They’ll regroup and head down to sunny California to take on the Clippers Monday night.