Trae Young’s Return Drowned Out by Hornets’ Three-Point Barrage
Trae Young’s highly anticipated return to the court was overshadowed by a stunning display of shooting from the Charlotte Hornets. The Hawks’ defense, which has struggled in recent games, found itself completely unprepared for the offensive onslaught. Charlotte’s sharpshooters lit up the scoreboard, connecting on 24 of 49 attempts from beyond the arc, translating to an impressive 49% shooting percentage. However, simply stating the numbers fails to capture the true magnitude of the Hornets’ dominance from deep.
Hornets’ Long-Range Attack
LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel took center stage, combining for a staggering 14 three-pointers. Ball, in particular, was electric, hitting seven consecutive threes in the first half alone. His performance set a tone that Atlanta’s defense could not match. Brandon Miller also contributed significantly, scoring 26 points and dishing out eight assists on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting night.
Young’s Impact Limited
While Young’s return was a focal point for the Hawks, his impact was limited due to a minutes restriction. In just 20 minutes on the floor, he managed to tally eight points and 10 assists but also recorded three turnovers. Atlanta needed more from him, especially with the Hornets firing on all cylinders.
Offensive Bright Spots for Atlanta
Despite the rough outing, Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up to provide a spark for the Hawks. Johnson was nothing short of spectacular, pouring in 43 points on 16-of-27 shooting, including four threes. His all-around game also featured 11 rebounds and nine assists, showcasing a performance that arguably places him at the fringes of All-NBA consideration if he continues on this trajectory. Alexander-Walker, coming off the bench, added 28 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting, further bolstering Atlanta’s offensive efforts.
Defensive Woes Continue for the Hawks
However, the night was marred by Atlanta’s defensive frailties. This has become a recurring theme, with the Hawks previously struggling against teams like the Nuggets and Pistons. They also allowed the Sixers and Wizards to shoot over 40% from beyond the arc. As the second half of the season looms, these defensive lapses must be addressed if the Hawks hope to remain competitive.
Looking Ahead
The challenge doesn’t get any easier for Atlanta as they prepare to face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are riding high after a dominant victory over the Wizards, and the Hawks will need to tighten up their defense to avoid another disappointing outing. With the stakes rising, the urgency for improvement has never been more apparent.
