In a stunning display of skill and determination on Thursday night, Trae Young not only showed his offensive powers with a season-high 45 points but also delivered a game-changing defensive stop against the San Antonio Spurs as the Atlanta Hawks secured a thrilling 137-135 victory, handing the Spurs their 13th consecutive loss.
The pivotal moment came with just 2.7 seconds left on the clock when Young drew a crucial charge from Jeremy Sochan. Despite Sochan’s outstanding performance, matching his career high with 33 points, and a stellar showing from Victor Wembanyama, who contributed 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks for San Antonio, it was Young’s defensive play that ultimately made the difference.
The defeat marked a significant milestone for the struggling Spurs, as they dropped to a 3-15 record for the first time since December 8, 1996. This challenging start led to the dismissal of then-coach Bob Hill by the current legendary coach Gregg Popovich, who began his remarkable 28-year tenure with the team.
In the fourth quarter, Young’s offensive brilliance shone through, as he tallied 13 points, going 3 for 5 from the field and an impressive 7 for 8 on free throws. This late-game surge not only sealed the win for the Hawks but also snapped their two-game losing streak, highlighting Trae Young’s impact on both ends of the court.