Trae Young returns to Hawks after long injury layoff – Basketball Insider

Young will return against Hornets

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young will make his first appearance since late October on Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Young suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29 and missed 22 consecutive games. His return provides a key piece of offense for the Hawks as they battle for position in a tough Eastern Conference.

Young participated in a full team practice Wednesday, paving the way for him to play in Thursday’s game. The Hawks listed him as doubtful on the injury report and then officially activated him for the Hornets game.

Eagles steady without youth

Atlanta has won 13 of 22 games when Young has been sidelined, showing they can remain competitive without their All-Star point guard. Young has been a cornerstone of the franchise over the past few years, and the team now views his return as a potential spark.

Before the injury, Young was averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game this season, although he struggled from three-point range in limited games.

Young’s performance early in the season still stands out throughout his career. In eight NBA seasons with the Hawks, he averaged more than 25 points and nearly 10 assists per game, ranking him among the league’s elite playmakers.

game night reality

Charlotte is a tough game against Atlanta on Thursday night. LaMelo Ball, who also returned from injury, scored 28 points and 13 assists, helping the Hornets hit a three-pointer and surpass the Hawks. Charlotte hit a total of 24 3-pointers early in the game and used strong ball movement to build its lead.

Atlanta rallied late, led by Jaren Johnson, with 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but ultimately lost 133-126. Yang scored 8 points and 10 assists in limited time.

What this means for Atlanta

The Hawks now have their star point guard back, which is a much-needed boost for the team. Young’s court vision and shot creation could boost Atlanta’s offense, especially in tight games. The Hawks will look to build continuity as Young gets more playing time.

Despite the loss, Young’s return was significant. Atlanta now has what it takes to have a stronger second half of the season, and Young’s health will play a big role in the team’s push for the playoffs.