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Trae Young started out the night hitting his first four basket including two three-point shots against the Orlando Magic (1-1) which signified the night he was going to have.
Young scored 39 points, added nine assist and snatched down seven rebounds to lead the Atlanta Hawks (2-0) in a 103-99 win. The second year guard was the first player to average at least 38 points, nine assist and seven rebounds in the first two games of the season.
“It feels good. Obviously, knocking down shots and getting my teammates involved feels great,” Young said. “But at the same time, winning feels better. I’m just glad we’re winning right now.”
Young banked a three-pointer off the backboard with 25.1 left to play in regulation to put them up by five and seal the game.
The team besides Young, displayed balance on the offensive end. Five players scored nine points or more including John Collins’ nine points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
“Obviously, a needed confidence boost. A home victory in our home opener, what more could you ask for,” stated Collins.
Defensively, The Hawks rotation was able to stifle the Magic’s offense to a low percentage throughout the game. The Magic was held to 35% shooting from the field.
Down the stretch, rookies De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish impacted the game on the defensive end.
“Defensively, they’re key for us. I know Cam [Reddish] hasn’t found his way offensively but he has the most deflections for us which is a big factor,” said DeAndre’ Bembry.
The magic was led by Evan Fournier’s 23 points and Nikola Vucevic 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Atlanta returns to action Monday evening against the 2-0 Philadelphia 76ers at State Farm Arena.
