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The Atlanta Hawks continue to win without Trae Young with a new superstar emerging

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 11:07 PM ET

After getting embarrassed by the Washington Wizards, the Atlanta Hawks bounced back with a nice win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-123 to pick up their third win in their last four games.

Trae Young sustained a sprained MCL in his right knee 4 weeks ago and he will be re-evaluated at the beginning of December.

However, the Hawks have fared well without their All-Star, going 10-5 in Young’s absence.

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Jalen Johnson is proving to be the Atlanta Hawks’ new superstar

Jalen Johnson had another spectacular performance in the Hawks’ latest victory.

The 23-year-old secured a triple-double of 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists on 50 percent shooting from the field.

This season, Johnson has averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game with a 54.7 percent field goal percentage. He is also averaging 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game.

He has averaged 22.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 14 games without Young this season, which included a near quadruple-double from Johnson of 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists and 7 steals against the Utah Jazz.

Will the Atlanta Hawks trade Trae Young?

Young is entering the final guaranteed season of his contract and can become a free agent next summer if he does not sign a new deal before then.

He is still eligible to extend with the Hawks during the 2025-26 season. He will make $46 million in 2025-26 and has a $49 million player option in 2026-27.