Younger Set to Return vs. Hornets
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Younger will make his first look since late October on Thursday evening when the Hawks face the Charlotte Hornets. Younger missed 22 straight video games after struggling a sprained proper MCL on October 29 towards the Brooklyn Nets. His return provides the Hawks a key offensive piece as they battle for place within the robust Jap Convention.
Younger took half in full crew apply Wednesday, which paved the way in which for him to be out there for Thursday’s sport. The Hawks listed him as questionable on the harm report earlier than formally activating him for the Hornets matchup.
Hawks With out Younger Held Regular
Whereas Younger was out, Atlanta managed to win 13 of twenty-two video games, displaying it may keep aggressive with out its All-Star level guard. Younger has been a cornerstone for the franchise over the previous a number of years, and the crew now seems to be to his return as a possible spark.
Earlier than the harm, Younger was averaging 17.8 factors and seven.8 assists per sport this season, although he struggled from three in restricted pattern play.
Younger’s presence early within the season nonetheless stood out in his profession. Over eight NBA seasons with the Hawks, he has averaged greater than 25 factors and practically 10 assists per sport, marking him among the many league’s elite playmakers.
Sport Evening Actuality
Charlotte proved a troublesome matchup for Atlanta on Thursday evening. LaMelo Ball, additionally coming back from harm, poured in 28 factors and 13 assists because the Hornets shot properly from deep and outpaced the Hawks. Charlotte made a complete of 24 three-pointers and used robust ball motion to construct a lead earlier within the sport.
Atlanta rallied late, led by Jalen Johnson’s 43 factors, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, however the effort fell quick in a 133-126 loss. Younger completed with eight factors and made 10 assists in restricted minutes.
What This Means for Atlanta
The Hawks now have their star level guard again, a lift the crew sorely wanted. Younger’s court docket imaginative and prescient and shot creation can elevate Atlanta’s offense, particularly in tight video games. The Hawks will look to construct continuity as Younger will get extra minutes beneath his belt.
Regardless of the loss, Younger’s return is critical. Atlanta now has the items to make a stronger run within the second half of the season, and Younger’s well being will play a serious function within the crew’s push towards the playoffs.
