A quick look at a terrific win last night versus the Grizzlies for the Atlanta Hawks, and how its young players fared in the game.
For the Atlanta Hawks, the future is now.
Last night, the team faced off against a Grizzlies team that is led by cagey veteran Mike Conley, and the Hawks’ blistering pace and explosive offensive attack was far too much for a stodgy Memphis team to handle.
In the game, the Atlanta Hawks scored 132 points, and the team’s young trio of Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter accounted for 65 of those points – almost 50 percent of the team’s total scoring.
For Hawks fans, this is the future of the team (with any additional high draft picks the team might get come June). Collins was completely unstoppable, and he finished the game with 27 points on 11 of 17 shooting with 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist and 1 steal. He was a +28 on/off rating in only 25 minutes of playing time. He also only committed one foul, which is definitely a good sign for our foul-prone big man.
He was not alone, though. At one point in the first quarter, Kevin Huerter had accounted for 10 of the Atlanta Hawks’ 13 points. His jump shot was looking beautiful all night, and he finished with 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block as well as a game-high +35 in on/off rating in 26 minutes played.
Lastly, Trae Young continues his challenging of Luka Doncic for Rookie of the Year (though he has already locked up best rookie in Hawks franchise history honors) with an eminently efficient night. Young was carving up the Grizzlies’ defense all night, and his eyes seemed to light up no matter who was guarding him.
Ice Trae finished with 22 points on 8 of 12 shooting with 8 assists and 3 rebounds. He also dished alley-oops to both of the players mentioned previously in this piece (one of which from 3/4 -court).
With these three supremely lovable and fun-to-watch players, the Atlanta Hawks have one of the most interesting and enjoyable young cores (as well as one of the best) in the entire NBA.
Hawks fans, sit back and enjoy it – it’s going to be a joyful experience very soon as a fan of this team.