Atlanta Hawks: Studs and duds as winning streak hits lucky number seven
![MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 26: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 26, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 26: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 26, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a92327f466ef5247fd37b89701b0b098e6f73eb22f514d544e1b68e01490211e.jpg)
Atlanta Hawks stud as winning streak hits luck number: Trae Young needs more MVP love
As the Hawks were struggling through their slump, Trae Young and Nate McMillan were fairly public about their conversations and thought process about how to fix it. They both agreed it needed to begin with the point guard asserting his will earlier in games. The results speak for themselves.
Atlanta is fifth in scoring on the season but has averaged a league-best 120.4 points per game over their streak. The Brooklyn Nets, who are 6-1 over this span, are second at 114.7 points per game.
Young is fifth in scoring at 27.7 points per game and sixth in assists with 9.0 per over this run.
He dropped 31 points and 10 assists on Memphis one game after dropping 31 points and 11 assists on the San Antonio Spurs. Young shot 75 percent overall and from deep, going 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. In that monster third quarter, he had 15 points and five assists (while Capela had 12 points and five boards) while shooting 85.7 percent from the floor.
The Hawks flashy point guard is now averaging slightly more points this season than he did last season but, more importantly, is slashing .465/.386/.900 on the season; all career-highs.
At this point, that Young isn’t being discussed more for early-season MVP is a travesty.
He might not be at the forefront. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant certainly have their arguments. But the discussion needs to include Young as well. We’d bet on that changing, however, if he keeps this up starting with a visit from the New York Knicks (10-9) on Saturday.