Trae Young’s recent MCL sprain has Hawks fans worried, as their star point guard is expected to miss at least four weeks of action. The injury occurred on October 29th against the Brooklyn Nets, and the Hawks maintained their composure, defeating the Nets 117-112.
The victory was an all-around effort by the Hawks, with five different players scoring double-digits by the night's end. Jalen Johnson led the charge with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kristaps Porzingis also shined with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and a game-high 7 assists. Quin Snyder relied heavily on their depth, and the bench produced 56 points as they cruised to victory.
Losing Young has definitely caused issues for the Hawks, but his injury has allowed other players to rise to the forefront. Snyder’s system is built around Young, and with no Trae, spectators have been able to see their new offensive sets.
Quin’s expertise was on full display in their 127-112 win vs the Orlando Magic. He inserted Nickeil Alexander-Walker into the starting point guard role, and he delivered, finishing with 20 points. Their unconventional lineup proved highly effective, allowing Walker to make his presence felt on defense in the first quarter.
Sacrificing Young’s playmaking has benefit the Hawks by nullifying their biggest weakness in the starting lineup. His extended absence has also increased the ball movement, so the longer Trae is out, the more we learn about this new roster.
The Hawks have made a series of encoraging adjustments
Atlanta has adapted nicely, considering the fact that the roster is built around their only injured player. They’re 2-1 in games Young has missed, but unfortunately for the Hawks, their already difficult start is about to become even harder.
Their next 10 games include star-studded matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers (7-2), San Antonio Spurs (6-2), and Detroit Pistons (6-2). All three teams feature All-NBA talent, while the Hawks currently have none available.
Each team will provide a different test for Atlanta, and depending on how they approach these matchups, it could make or break their season. Johnson has already solidified himself as an early All-Star candidate, with averages of 20.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
He must maintain the same level of play, and the added pressure has brought out the best in the former Duke Blue Devil. His potential as a leader has taken center stage, and his ability to make his teammates better as the primary playmaker.
All of the changes have had a contagious effect on Dyson Daniels, who struggled in his first few games. He’s returned to form in Young's absence, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in his last three performances.
Daniels has showcased his improved offensive game with the sudden increase in usage, and the responsibility will only increase during harder matchups. Seeing the improvements of Johnson & Daniels is very encouraging for the front office since they both signed contract extensions for the future.
Experiences like this allow them to show their ‘return on investment’ and showcase their true potential. As long as both are healthy, the Hawks will remain competitive while Young nurses his right knee.