NBA10 hours ago2 minute read

Trae Young Reflects on Atlanta Return After Wizards Loss

Trae Young played his first game back in Atlanta as a member of the Wizards, posting 23 points and 10 assists in a 139-132 defeat.

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A Different Feeling in Atlanta

Trae Young experienced an unfamiliar feeling on Friday night. Before tipoff, the Washington Wizards guard stepped onto the floor, took a quiet moment in the corner, and shared a warm embrace with Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder. Young wanted to speak with his former coach in person after missing the chance during their earlier meeting in Washington.

The Hawks picked up the victory, beating the Wizards 139-132 to sweep both games of their series this week. Young finished with 23 points and 10 assists, but he also committed a season high eight turnovers against his former club.

Young spent more than seven seasons in Atlanta before being traded to Washington in January for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum. During his time with the Hawks, he became a four-time All-Star and left as the franchise leader in both assists and 3-pointers.

Handling the Moment

Young visited Atlanta once last season after the trade, but an injured knee kept him on the bench. During that game, the Hawks played a tribute video in the second quarter, and Young responded by forming a heart with his hands for the fans.

On Friday, he was healthy and ready to play. The home crowd offered a few cheers when he was introduced, but the reception was mostly muted.

"I don't even know how to describe the feeling," Young said after the game. "I mean, it was different. It was cool for me."

Young explained that he prepared himself for the return following their meeting on Wednesday. He said he understood that the feelings were unique because a player only gets one first game back against an old team.

Guiding the Washington Offense

Despite the loss, Young continues to run the offense for Washington. He entered Friday leading the entire league with an average of 9.3 assists per game.

Wizards coach Brian Keefe praised the veteran guard before the game. Keefe noted that Young has embraced the roster and works hard to put teammates in good positions to succeed.

What it means for the next game

Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta Hawks (NBA, Sun, 08 Nov): Atlanta Hawks win 71%, Brooklyn Nets win 29%; projected score Atlanta Hawks 116, Brooklyn Nets 109. Our safest pick: Hawks to win.

Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA, Sun, 08 Nov): Oklahoma City Thunder win 81%, Washington Wizards win 19%; projected score Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Washington Wizards 105. Our safest pick: Thunder to win.