Not many perennial All-Stars/franchise players are the frequent subject of criticism & vitriol quite like Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Time & time again, Young receives the majority of the blame whenever the Hawks seem to falter. While it isn’t a foreign concept for a team’s top player to get targeted when their squad underachieves, it seems like Young is a bit more polarizing whenever at the forefront.
No matter how you feel about his play style (I’m, personally, a big fan of it), it’s time to collectively appreciate his greatness as both a clutch, playoff performer and leader. The “moment” is never too large for Trae Young to tackle - in fact, he seems to rise to the occasion even more when backed against a wall.
Despite having a very talented, albeit young, rotation, Atlanta hasn’t fully caught a rhythm - Young, however, isn’t the reason for their surprising mediocrity this season. In fact, he’s done everything in his power to keep ATL relevant and fighting all year long.
Game 4 @ Boston was no exception. With the season on the line (and Dejounte Murray sidelined due to suspension), “Ice Trae” played 44 minutes, scored 38! points & dished out 13 assists to lead a comeback effort late in the fourth.
The play everyone will (rightfully) remember is a nasty, pull-back triple (over Jaylen Brown) that cashed with just under 3 seconds left in the game.
You need a ton of confidence to take that kind of shot, down 1, with the season in jeopardy.
You need an equal (or greater?) amount of skill to knock it down in the face of an excellent defender, in a hostile environment.
As Trae Young’s playoff legend continues to grow, ATL lives to fight another day, which seemed nearly impossible just 24 hours ago.