Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young’s special postseason run continues vs. Bucks

Trae Young’s special postseason run continued against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

After beating the New York Knicks in the first round and then upsetting the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Atlanta Hawks lost some steam as they faced Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, at least through one game, Trae Young made it quite clear that the Hawks are not just going to roll over in the conference finals.

Instead, Young picked up where he left off as he finished with 48 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds in a Game 1 victory for Atlanta. The Hawks are now just three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1961.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

• Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
• NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
• Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
• Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
• NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24

As is often the case after one game, all the talk stemming from Young’s 48-point performance will revolve around the Bucks and their inability to close in late-game situations. This isn’t the first time in this year’s playoffs that they have struggled in those situations.

However, I don’t think it’s fair to overlook what Young has been doing this postseason. He’s upped his game in the playoffs and looked like the best player on the floor for much of Game 1.

Through 13 games played in the postseason thus far, Young is averaging 31 points and 11 assists per game. He has the Hawks playing at a high level and you can’t help but figure that this is a team that has a shot to win the NBA title.

After all, they are just one of four teams remaining in the playoffs. Despite what you believe about this team’s supporting cast, as long as Young is playing at this absurd level they’re going to be a problem against the Bucks.

Maybe the Bucks wake up and play much better in Game 2 and through the rest of this series. Maybe the Bucks come back in a dominant way in Game 2. And maybe the Bucks end up winning this series in five or six games. But you can’t discount what Young has done in the playoffs this season.

Even if the Hawks don’t win another game in this postseason, this current run that they’re on will be remembered for a very long time. And it’s one that could catapult this team heading into next season.

And, specifically for Young, this playoff run has announced himself as a legit superstar in the NBA.