Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young became the first player in franchise history to record at least 30 points and 20 assists in a single game, in Friday night’s 134-132 overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the first player in the NBA since at least 1979-80 to post over 30 points and 20 assists while making at least five 3-pointers.
Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks in scoring with 31 points, De’Andre Hunter added 26 points in the second unit
Young scored a team-high 31 points on 9-of-25 (36%) shooting from the field, 5-of-13 (38.5%) from deep, and all eight made free throws. He also hit a 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime to give Atlanta its sixth straight win. That’s the Hawks’ longest win streak since a seven-game run from Jan. 17-30, 2022.
The three-time All-Star also dished out 20 assists, two shy from matching his career-best 22 dimes (Nov. 27 at Cleveland). Through 23 games (all starts) this season, he’s averaging 21.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, a career-high 12.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 36 minutes per contest.
With 31 points and 20 assists, Trae Young becomes the first player in franchise history to have at least 30 points and 20 assists in a single game. He’s the first player in the NBA since at least 1979-80 to have 30+ points and 20+ assists while making at least five triples.
— Hawks PR (@HawksPR) December 7, 2024
Additionally, De’Andre Hunter led the bench in scoring with 26 points on 9-for-15 (60%) shooting from the floor and five triples. Hawks coach Quin Synder praised both Young and Hunter for their stellar play during his postgame conference.
“Those two guys really trust each other,” said Snyder of Young and Hunter. “Trae, and then ‘Dre to find him. Trae’s catch-and-shoot threes are something we’ve really tried to emphasize, and he’s really worked on.
“For it to be that shot tonight was affirming. Trae’s had a terrific game, and ‘Dre gives us not just production but his presence that guys really feel. They trusted each other, and that’s a big deal.”
Hunter is now leading all players in scoring per game off the bench at 19.5 points per game. However, he has only played 11 games as a reserve so far compared to Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, who has appeared in 23.
Hawks’ bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves by +48 in Friday night’s win, marking their largest point differential since 1993
Atlanta’s bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves by +48 in tonight’s win (65-17), marking their largest positive point differential off the bench since April, 23, 1993, against the Milwaukee Bucks (+55, 71-16).
Young couldn’t help but compliment his fellow teammate after his impressive outing.
“First off, how about De’Andre Hunter?” Young said. “That dude has been playing really well and leading us. Coming off the bench and being ready to play these last six games, we’ve all had really good moments and sometimes some bad moments in games.
“Tonight, he did a great job from beginning to the end. The last play, he’s been so hot I was trying to get him a shot and he still made the right play because both guys went at him and was able to find me and we found a way to win. I give all the credit to ‘Dre.”
Hunter has scored 18 or more points in six straight games, the longest such scoring streak of his career.
Entering Friday’s game, his five consecutive outings with at least 18 points was tied for the longest such streak off the bench this season with Boston’s Pritchard, who was held scoreless against Milwaukee last night.
The Hawks host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
