Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Has the Clutch Gene

A quick look at the impressive clutch statistics of Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks if having a stupendous season. Not only is he one of the best passers in the NBA already as well as the best rookie in franchise history, but with his recent string of terrific games, he has cemented himself as one of the best clutch players in the NBA.

Since February 1 per NBA.com, the Atlanta Hawks have played 10 clutch games (which are defined as games within 5 points with 5 minutes or less to go). In those games, the team has a 5-5 record. While that’s not a terrific rate in clutch games, Young’s stats certainly are.

The 20-year-old rookie Young has scored the most points of any player in the NBA in clutch time since February 1 with 57 total points. He is shooting 50 percent from the field with the most made field goals (19) and attempted field goals (38) in the clutch as well.

Some fans might remember Trae Young’s incredible preseason game-winner against the Spurs, which foreshadowed Trae’s impressive ability in clutch situations. Here’s a quick refresher if you missed it:

Furthermore, Trae Young has played the most clutch minutes of anyone in the league as well with 52 of them. Beyond his efficient scoring, he has been unselfish in those situations as well with 10 total assists in those clutch minutes, which is behind only De’Aaron Fox.

Young has the third-most free throw attempts in clutch time, behind only Paul George and Russell Westbrook, and only George (90.5%) is shooting better than Trae (86.7%) from the charity stripe.

Perhaps the most impressive stat is Young’s on/off rating in those 57 clutch minutes, which is the highest in the league at +37. Who is second? None other than Trae’s backcourt partner Kevin Huerter with a +36 in fewer minutes. While a limited sample size, those two combining for an aggregate on/off rating of +73 is quite good for the Young/Huerter backcourt in the future.

While it’s still early, it looks as if the widely despised Luka Doncic for Trae Young trade might’ve worked out for both sides. Especially when it coming up big in the clutch.