Celtics reporter shade Trae Young's individualistic play, highlighting the Hawks' newfound team success and unselfishness.
The Atlanta Hawks lost to the Boston Celtics 109-102 on Friday night. It was a big-time Eastern Conference clash between two of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break. After a strong first quarter by the Hawks, the scoring slowed, and Boston capitalized with a strong shooting second half.
However, the Celtics did leave TD Garden with one thing: Respect? From the Celtics broadcasters, who sent a strong diss to Trae Young.
During a sideline report, the Celtics reporter had this to say about the Hawks, and why they've been playing such good basketball:
"The vibes are immaculate with this team. Quin Snyder told me pregame it's the connectivity more than anything. It's an unselfish group. They've bought in defensively, winning the possession battles, and they pass the ball."
The reporter goes on to IMPLY that "those are all things I'm not sure Trae Young does on a nightly basis"
The Hawks traded Trae Young on Jan. 7, and are 24-12 since his departure. And in return for Trae Young, Atlanta received CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, two players who have been solid contributors for the team.
McCollum's steady shooting and clutch shots have led to multiple wins, and Kispert's playing in his role highlights the level of team basketball up and down the Hawks roster.
One could certainly make a strong case that the Hawks are much better without Trae Young. When Young was Atlanta's point guard and primary scoring threat, it felt like the ceiling in the playoff standings was either the 7th or 8th seed. Now, the Hawks have emerged as a true threat in the Eastern Conference and are trying to climb as high as the 5th seed.
There's no time for the Hawks to rest after the Celtics loss, as Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings will be the second half of a back-to-back.