Hawks guard Vit Krejci’s unreal cross vs. Pacers attracts wild Trae Younger response

The NBA preseason is in full swing, and despite the fact that the celebrities on every crew might not be on the forefront of the outcomes on the ground, they’re nonetheless discovering their method into the highlight a technique or one other. That was the case for Hawks guard Trae Younger on Tuesday, even after taking part in simply 21 minutes in a 131-130 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Throughout the fourth quarter of the Hawks’ win, guard Vit Krejci fired an unbelievable full-court help with one hand, establishing Kobe Bufkin for a layup, and Tray Younger hit the basic goggles celebration on the bench in response.

Younger is knocking off the rust earlier than the season will get going and had a robust night time statistically, ending with 17 factors and 6 assists regardless of the restricted minutes. Krejci additionally was spectacular in 23 minutes of motion as he tries to make the Hawks’ last roster on the finish of the preseason, scoring seven factors and doling out six assists of his personal.

The Hawks have been led by rising star Jalen Johnson, who put up a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double in simply 22 minutes. Johnson was environment friendly as a scorer, capturing 8-for-12 from the ground, and added three steals on the defensive finish.

Trae Younger should take one other leap if the Hawks need to contend within the East

The Hawks have come again right down to Earth over the previous few years since making their shock run to the Jap Convention Finals in 2021, and so they want Trae Younger to develop into one of many true superstars within the NBA for them to get again to that time. Younger is already an All-Star degree participant, however he must be even higher than that for a number of causes.

The primary motive is the power of the Jap Convention. The defending champion Celtics can be very formidable as soon as once more, and it seems just like the Knicks have improved with the additions of Karl-Anthony Cities and Mikal Bridges. The 76ers will even be very tough to beat with Paul George within the fold.

On a extra introspective be aware, the Hawks are counting on Younger to be the extent of participant that may carry a crew to a championship, and so they know that’s their quickest path to the highest of the East. Younger is a statistical beast — he has surpassed 25 factors and 10 assists per sport in every of the previous two seasons –however his affect on the sport has fallen barely wanting among the true superstars within the league.

If Younger can enhance his effectivity as a scorer (43% from the sector final season) and develop into a reliable defender, that can go a good distance in the direction of serving to him stand up the ranks within the league. If the Hawks need to attain these 2021 heights once more, that leap must occur for Younger.