Hawks' Trae Young Questionable for Game 5 vs. Bucks with Foot Injury
Jun 30, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) reacts after he scores during the second half of Game 4 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, June 14, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Hawks superstar guard Trae Young is questionable for Thursday's crucial Game 5 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals because of the foot injury he suffered in Game 3, the Hawks announced Wednesday.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Wednesday that "there is not great optimism" that Young will play in Game 5:
The 22-year-old is one of the most talented and dynamic guards in the NBA, and he proved that during the regular season when he averaged 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers made per game.
The only thing able to slow Young down during the playoffs has been a foot injury suffered Sunday that kept him out of Tuesday's Game 4 and now threatens his status for Game 5.
Being without a player of Young's caliber for any period of time is a hindrance, although the Hawks have a deceptively deep and talented roster capable of coming together as a team without him.
There is no clear go-to scorer when Young is out, but Atlanta is able to get the job done collectively with the likes of John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter and Clint Capela stepping up.
From a guard perspective, the player most likely to see an uptick in playing time and production when Young is out is veteran Lou Williams, who is a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and an offensive catalyst.
It could also result in more playing time for Cam Reddish despite the fact that he hasn't played or contributed a ton during the postseason because of his own injuries.
Young is a game-changing player capable of taking over and elevating the Hawks unlike anyone else on the roster. Potentially being without that hurts, but the Hawks have proved they are able to win without their best player, which isn't something many NBA teams can say.
Lou Williams Leads Hawks to Game 4 Win vs. Bucks After Giannis Suffers Knee Injury
Jun 30, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Lou Williams (6) keeps the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The Atlanta Hawks evened their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Milwaukee Bucks at two games apiece after defeating the visitors 110-88 at State Farm Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks dominated for all four quarters, but the game was marred by a scary injury suffered by Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who departed the game with a left knee hyperextension in the third quarter.
He was helped off the court by his brother, Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and other staff members.
The shorthanded Hawks, who were without star guard Trae Young due to a bone bruise in his right foot, led 62-52 with 7:14 left in the third quarter at the time of Antetokounmpo's injury.
Following a floater from Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, the Hawks responded with a 15-0 run that included a trio of Bogdan Bogdanovic three-pointers to give themselves a 77-54 edge. Atlanta led by 19 or more for the remainder of the game.
Lou Williams, who entered the starting lineup for Young, scored 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting (5-of-6 from the foul line). He led six players who scored 10 or more, including Bogdanovic with 18 on six three-pointers.
Milwaukee is looking for its first NBA Finals appearance since 1974. The Hawks haven't been to the championship round since 1961, when they were based in St. Louis.
Notable Performances
Hawks G Lou Williams: 21 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic: 20 points, 5 assists, 4 steals
Hawks G Kevin Huerter: 15 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds
Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo: 14 points, 8 rebounds
Bucks F Khris Middleton: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
Bucks G Jrue Holiday: 19 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
Lou Williams Saves the Day
The three-time Sixth Man of the Year hadn't seen much action in this season's playoffs before Tuesday, averaging 6.5 points in 13.0 minutes per game. He only played more than 18 minutes in a game once in this entire postseason.
That all changed Tuesday as head coach Nate McMillan opted to start Williams for Young as the shorthanded team faced difficult odds to take down the Bucks.
Williams flipped the script, though, propelling the Hawks to a huge win that not only knotted the series but forced an eventual return to Atlanta for Game 6.
The veteran got Atlanta off to a great start, scoring seven points in a 15-5 game-opening run. He capped that effort with a three-pointer over Bucks forward Khris Middleton:
However, Williams' biggest play came on a five-point swing near the end of the frame.
Middleton missed a three-pointer that would have cut the Hawks' lead to six. Instead, Williams corralled the long rebound and took care of business himself by hitting a jumper over Antetokounmpo, giving the Hawks a 47-36 edge:
It was the Williams and Bogdanovic show in the third quarter. Williams had six points and four assists, knocking down a clutch three to give Atlanta a 60-50 advantage:
With that, the Hawks rolled to the win and moved two victories away from the NBA Finals.
Giannis Injured as Bucks Blown Out
Obviously, everything else that happened to the Bucks on Tuesday pales in comparison to the health and wellness of Antetokounmpo.
Injuries have unfortunately been commonplace this entire season, but it's especially been the case during the playoffs, to the point where some All-Star teams can be formed with the players forced to miss time:
NBA All-Star teams this season
West: Chris Paul Mike Conley Donovan Mitchell Kawhi Leonard Anthony Davis
East: James Harden Kyrie Irving Jaylen Brown Giannis Antetokounmpo Joel Embiid
Milwaukee wasn't playing well on either end before Antetokounmpo's injury, but the Bucks weren't out of it either down just 10 points with 19-plus minutes left in the game.
However, Milwaukee couldn't recover after he left, and Atlanta outscored the Bucks by 12 for the remainder of the game. The Bucks even waved the white flag and cleared out the bench with four minutes remaining.
The playoffs have been rough on stars, and that's continued to be the case.
In the Western Conference Finals, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul missed Games 1 and 2 due to COVID-19 protocols, and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been out all series with a right knee sprain.
start a petition that we pause the playoffs until trae and giannis and kawhi are okay
Ultimately, this was a night for the Bucks to forget, but from a broader standpoint, another NBA star was forced to miss time with an injury.
Perhaps Antetokounmpo is fine and returns to Game 5, but his ailment is another reminder of the bleak nature of this year's playoffs.
What's Next?
Milwaukee will host Game 5 on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum.
Report: Trae Young Out for Hawks vs. Bucks Game 4 Because of Foot Injury
Jun 29, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, May 6, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
"Young exhausted every avenue to try and find a way to return to play, but a severe lack of mobility and significant degree of pain made it impossible," Wojnarowski wrote.
Beyond the obvious reasons, Atlanta's Game 3 loss to the Bucks proved costly as Young suffered a bone bruise in his right foot. The team initially listed him as questionable for Game 4.
Teammate John Collins summed up the situation.
"That's the head of our snake," he told reporters of the 2020 All-Star. "That's the last thing I feel like anybody who is a Hawks supporter wants to see is that dude coming down with any sort of knickknack or whatever it is. I think he stepped on the official's foot or somebody's foot."
Young nearly averaged a double-double (25.3 points and 9.4 assists) during the regular season, and he has been the main spark behind Atlanta's run to the conference finals.
Through 15 postseason contests, he's putting up 29.8 points and 9.5 assists per game, and his self-confidence has been infectious.
Young isn't the only reason for the Hawks' success, as the offseason additions of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari have proved valuable. Clint Capela has been excellent after finally getting to suit up for the team, and De'Andre Hunter emerged as the two-way talent Atlanta expected when it landed him in the 2019 draft.
Still, Atlanta's hopes of reaching the NBA Finals rest firmly on Young's availability and on-court performance.
Trae Young's Foot Injury Diagnosed as Bruise; Hawks PG Questionable for Game 4
Jun 28, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 27, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young suffered a bone bruise to his right foot and is listed as questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on Tuesday, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
The Hawks say Trae Young had an MRI taken earlier today at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex and it revealed a bone bruise to his right foot.
Young will be listed as questionable for tomorrow’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 4.
On Monday night, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said there is "real concern" over Young's status for Game 4:
The dynamic playmaker is averaging 29.8points and 9.5 assists over 15 games this postseason.
Young sprained his ankle during Game 3 of the series after accidentally stepping on the foot of a referee along the sidelines in the third quarter. The point guard soon exited the floor and was treated in the locker room before returning in the fourth quarter.
After the Bucks won Sunday's game, 113-102, to take a 2-1 series lead, Young said his ankle was bothering him.
"It's sore right now," he told reporters. "It's hurting, it's frustrating ... it's hurting a little bit and it's sore."
The team scheduled an MRI for Young the following day and continued to provide treatment in the hope he'd be feeling better for Game 4 in Atlanta. While the guard poured in 35 points in Game 3, he notched just three points in the fourth quarter after his injury, shooting 1-of-4 from the floor.
Young explained how the "freaky bad accident" limited his mobility late in the game.
"Really just my blow-by speed," Young said. "I mean, that's a big part of my game, is my ability just to blow by anybody. And when you're on the left side and you're trying to blow by, you got to use your right foot."
Now the Hawks will have to find away to work through Young's latest setback as Atlanta seeks to keep its season alive. Expect interim head coach Nate McMillan to rely more on Lou Williams, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn and Tony Snell to make up for Young's absence.
Hawks' Trae Young to Have MRI on Ankle Injury; Plans to Play in Game 4 vs. Bucks
Jun 28, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young plays during an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Trae Young says he's getting an MRI in the morning on his ankle. He says the plan for him is to play in Game 4, but that he'll be getting "as much treatment as I can" between now and then.
The Hawks star was able to return early in the fourth quarter, but he was not able to help his team pull out the victory. He finished with 35 points (12-of-23 shooting, including 6-of-14 from three-point range) and four assists in the loss.
Atlanta will have a chance to try to even the series with Game 4 on Tuesday.
Young, 22, remains one of the game's brightest young stars and Atlanta's most valuable talent, averaging 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game this season. Any chance the Hawks have of making a deep run in the postseason hinges solely on a healthy Young playing well.
The young Hawks have been one of the feel-good stories this season, as offseason additions Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari have paired nicely with Atlanta's young core of Young, John Collins and DeAndre Hunter, among others.
Young most recently missed four games in April with a left ankle sprain. Atlanta went 2-2 in that stretch.
"I always try to battle back (from injury) and get back to the court as fast as possible," he said in April after returning. "I was just doing a lot of treatment, and (Atlanta's training staff) did a great job helping me to get back on the court."
Atlanta will be hoping his current injury isn't too serious. Should Young miss time or be limited, Lou Williams could be asked to play an even bigger role.
Trae Young: 'I Take Full Responsibility' for Hawks' Game 2 Loss to Bucks
Jun 26, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 25: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 25, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images).
The Trae Young who shimmied his way into NBA playoff history in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks was nowhere to be found in Game 2.
As the Bucks evened the series at 1-1 with a ferocious 125-91 victory, Young looked like a shell of himself, scoring 15 points on 18 shot attempts while shooting one-of-eight from behind the arc. He didn't hide his disgust with those numbers afterward:
Trae Young: “I take full responsibility for what happened tonight … I will be better.”
The loss may not have been entirely Young's fault, but without his signature playmaking and scoring that led to his 48-point outing in Game 1, there was little the Hawks could do to keep up with Milwaukee on Friday, especially after the Bucks used a 20-0 run in the second quarter to grab a 32-point lead at half.
In fact, Game 2 marked the first time all postseason Young failed to score at least 20 minutes, and it resulted in the Hawks' largest loss of the playoffs. That's hardly a coincidence.
Young knows it too. It's why he's taking Friday's loss personally. Now, he just has to find a way to make up for it with the series shifting to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.
Hawks' Nate McMillan Urges Refs to Call Giannis for 10-Second Free-Throw Violations
Jun 26, 2021
Atlanta Hawks interim head coach Nate McMillan reactsduring the first half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Friday, June 11, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan hopes officials enforce the 10-second free-throw limit as their Eastern Conference Finals series with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks progresses.
"It’s a rule that we want them to call," McMillan said Friday, per Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "So the NBA announced that that should have been called and we hope that if that happens again, that it is called."
The NBA's Last Two Minute Report revealed that referees should have called Antetokounmpo for a violation on each of his two free-throw attempts with 5.3 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the Hawks' 116-113 win.
Antetokounmpo has taken his time at the free-throw line lately, notably getting called a few times for violations when referees deemed that he took too long.
The Hawks weren't happy about the referees' lack of enforcement Wednesday though.
Of note, Sam Amick of the Athletic reported that Antetokounmpo's eight free-throw attempts, "by the Hawks’ internal count — ranged between 11.5 seconds and 13.3 seconds on his eight attempts." He did not get called for a violation though.
The Hawks lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Report: Hawks Frustrated Giannis Isn't Punished by NBA for Free-Throw Routine
Jun 25, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
The Atlanta Hawks want to see officials enforce the rules if Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to take an extended period of time before attempting his free throws.
Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Hawks "are not happy that the league" seemed to look the other way when the Milwaukee Bucks star took a long time during his warm-up routine before attempting a free throw in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The NBA's Last Two Minute Report from Wednesday's game showed Antetokounmpo should have been called for 10-second violations on both of his free-throw attempts with 5.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Instead, Antetokounmpo made two free throws to cut Milwaukee's deficit to one point. The Hawks held on for a 116-113 win, though.
Per Amick, an NBA spokesman "cited the league's long-standing policy of not publicly commenting on the officiating regarding an individual player" when asked about the non-calls involving Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo's free throws have drawn a great deal of attention this postseason because of his extensive warm-up routine. He's been called for 10-second violations twice: in Game 1 of the first round against the Miami Heat and Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Brooklyn Nets.
Given that the Hawks appear to be venting their frustrations, it's possible the officials will keep a close eye on Antetokounmpo in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday.
John Collins: Hawks Winning 3 Game 1s 'Definitely Put Some Respect on Our Names'
Jun 24, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 23: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 23, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images).
Atlanta won Game 1 of its third consecutive playoff series with Wednesday's 116-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. It also won Game 1 in the first round against the New York Knicks and Game 1 in the second round against the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.
"It's definitely put some respect on our names," John Collinstold reporters when talking about the Game 1 wins.
He continued, saying, "I feel like a lot of people haven't watched us until now."
While Trae Young was the star with 48 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, the Hawks wouldn't have stolen home-court advantage for the third consecutive series without Collins.
He posted a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds and provided the help for Young that Atlanta needed. That was especially true after the Hawks fell behind in the first half with a number of possessions turning into No. 11 or bust.
Young's initial brilliance drew even more defensive attention from the Bucks, which opened up lobs to Collins down low. One even went off the backboard as the pair took over in the third quarter, but it was Collins' play down the stretch that proved to be the difference.
He scored seven points in the final four minutes after Milwaukee seized a seven-point lead, three of which came on a critical triple to trim the lead to one. The next basket in the game was Clint Capela's putback in the final 30 seconds to give the Hawks the lead for good.
Young will generate plenty of headlines if he continues to play like he did Wednesday, but the Hawks are going to need others to deliver if they are going to eliminate Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks and earn a spot in the NBA Finals.
Collins is the logical No. 2 option at this point, especially with Bogdan Bogdanovic dealing with a knee injury that limited him throughout Game 1.
If the big man plays the secondary role to Young's go-to option as effectively as he did in Game 1, the Hawks could earn even more respect on their names by winning the championship.
Trae Young Says Hawks Can 'Go as Far as We Want To' in NBA Playoffs
Jun 24, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 23: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks is interviewed after the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 23, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images).
If the Atlanta Hawks want to, they can win the championship.
"I think we can go as far as we want to," the Hawks guard told reporters after leading his team to a 116-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Wednesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. "I believe in this team, and we believe in each other."
Winning a title becomes much more realistic if Young continues to play like he did Wednesday.
He was brilliant on his way to 48 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. He wasted no time finding the holes in Milwaukee's defense and attacking with a mix of floaters in the lane and outside shots when defenders backed up to cut off his driving path.
The result was 25 points by halftime, but he was arguably better in the second half while busting out a number of lobs to John Collins—one of which he threw off the backboard—and even throwing in a shoulder shimmy before he launched a wide-open three-pointer.
When it appeared the Bucks would finally pull away—up seven in the final five minutes behind the impressive play of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday—Young answered by setting up Collins for multiple baskets and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch.
That, along with a monster putback off an offensive rebound to give the Hawks the lead for good by Clint Capela, was enough to steal Game 1 on the road.
Atlanta was the secondary storyline to the raucous crowds at Madison Square Garden early in the first round until Young stole the show. It was the secondary storyline to the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers trying to finally break through in the second round until Young stole the show. And he is already starting to steal the show from Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the early going of the third round.
A trip to the NBA Finals is just three wins away as Young continues to ascend to superstar status in this postseason.
