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Hawks vs Spurs: Three Takeaways From Atlanta's Win Over San Antonio

Originally posted on Atlanta Hawks on SI
By Jackson Caudell | Last updated Nov 30, 2023 11:22 PM ET

It was not pretty, but Atlanta went on the road and got the win over the Spurs.

After trailing most of the game, the Hawks were able to find a way to win the game, but Trae Young's big night had a lot to do with Atlanta winning the game. Young scored 45 points and had 14 assists and most of his production came in the second half, when he scored 33 points. It was an outstanding performance.

Now, Atlanta will wrap up their road trip in Milwaukee and look to get above .500.

So what are the big takeaways from tonight?

1. Trae Young had a brilliant performance

Young has had some hiccups to the start of his season, but he has looked like one of the most elite offensive players in the NBA over the past couple of weeks outside of Tuesday's game vs Cleveland.

Young shot 15-29 and scored 45 points to go along with 14 assists. The offense is known with Young, but his biggest play of the night might have been when he drew a charge against Jeremy Sochan with two seconds left and that ended the game. Young is criticized for his defense by many, but head coach Quin Snyder has praised Young's defensive effort time and again this season, including tonight.

2. The Hawks miss Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson has been one of the most improved players in the NBA to start this season, but he injured his wrist in a win over the Wizards last Saturday and is going to be out for a few weeks. With him out, Atlanta loses a two-way player who can defend multiple positions, rebound well, and run the floor in transition.

Despite the Spurs being a bad team, I thought they had some intriguing matchup problems they could present to Atlanta and that showed tonight.

Atlanta was struggling on defense with Johnson, but it has been pretty bad since he was injured and Atlanta has nobody on the roster that can replace him and his skills and Snyder even admitted it after the game.

It was not just defense though, the Hawks got beat on the boards, something that Johnson is good at.

3. Atlanta can finish the road trip with a winning record

It might not seem like it but the Hawks could end this five-game road trip with a winning record if they can find a way to beat the Bucks on Saturday.

Atlanta has wins over the Wizards and Spurs on this road trip and losses to the Celtics and the Cavaliers. They have already beaten Milwaukee once on the road and it was a blowout win too. Atlanta has plenty of problems, but they have a chance to end the road trip on a strong note before four days off between their next game.

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This article first appeared on Atlanta Hawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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