Young was forced to leave the game against the Raptors Monday after feeling discomfort during shooting. Young was injured Sunday while making contact with Anthony Davis, Lakers forward, during the Hawks’ win in Los Angeles.
Young, who has played in 45 of the Hawks 50 games, said that “it’s getting better.” “I’m going up there to play (Thursday).
Young was out of town Monday so Delon Wright took over. He scored four points and had seven assists in just 23 minutes. After a third quarter that saw the Hawks lose 32-15, their seven-game winning streak was ended.
Young, 23 years old, averages 27.7 points per game and 9.3 assists. Young was named All-Star starter last week for the second consecutive time.
Hawks Notes:
– On Jan. 16, the Hawks, which were 12th in Eastern Conference, were at 17-25. This was just one day before they began their seven-game winning streak. With a record of 24-26, they are now 10th in the Eastern Conference, two games behind ninth-seeded Celtics.
Although the schedule changes during the second half, the Hawks still face a difficult climb to avoid the tournament. They would need a top-six player in order to be eligible for the play-in. This is especially true in the East.
Young stated, “I told you all when we were 17-25 that it only takes two streaks for teams really get started.” We had a streak and moved up a few spots, but it’s important to keep it going.
Thursday’s measurement stick is presented by the NBA-best Suns (41-9). Phoenix has won 11 consecutive games, posting a record of 14-1 in 2022. On Nov. 6, Phoenix’s Suns beat the Hawks to end an 18-game winning streak.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan praised Suns coach Monty Williams and said that they were playing “great basketball”. They’ve been the hottest team this season. Chris Paul has an MVP-caliber year, and he is back with that team. They have really taken off since two years ago, when the Suns first showed dramatic improvement.
The Hawks are now six wins away from home after going almost two months without a win at State Farm Arena. They are currently at 14-12 overall at home.
– Onyeka Okongwu, a big man, was not named Tuesday to the Rising Stars roster. Okongwu, 21 years old, has been a promising defensive anchor since his December return to the Hawks after shoulder surgery. His role in the Hawks’ recent turnaround has been crucial in stabilizing the bench.
Second-year player averages nearly 10 points per game and six rebounds per contest. He has played in 18 games and started six. Okongwu sent three emojis of yawning when rosters were revealed.
