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NBA Rumors: 'Unnatural' Motions Like Trae's, Harden's Subject of Possible Rule Change

Jun 14, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 11: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 2, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on June 11, 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 11: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 2, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on June 11, 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

There may be fewer free-throw attempts during the 2021-22 NBA season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the league's competition committee met Monday and discussed potential rule changes regarding "unnatural motions" such as leaning backward and sideways that players use in an effort to draw more fouls.

While Wojnarowski highlighted Trae Young and James Harden as two examples of "star players with greater usage and exposure who many people identify with this issue," he also pointed out "the league and teams generally see this as a universal problem throughout rosters that gives offenses too great of an advantage."

There are still multiple steps that have to be taken before any rule change is implemented.

The committee will discuss possible changes with the league's general managers to decide which motions it should recommend for elimination. After that, the recommendations will be brought to the league's Board of Governors, which will vote on the possible rule changes for 2021-22.

Frankly, there would be a number of benefits to eliminating the "unnatural motions" from the game.

It would lead to less frustration with officiating from defensive players and fans since such motions are only used to fool referees into making calls they shouldn't. It would benefit the flow of the game with fewer whistles and trips to the line and perhaps even improve the relationships with players and officials.

"Privately, team executives are expressing concern to the league office about the relentless strife and volume of players and coaches complaining to refs," Wojnarowski wrote in May when reporting on the same issue. "Even teams are worried it's turning off fans, and the league office knows it's an issue."

Fow now, these movements from offensive players will continue and remain a talking point, especially with players like Young and Harden still in the playoffs.

But there may be less frustration across the board as soon as next season.

Joel Embiid, 76ers Even Series Against Trae Young, Hawks After 118-102 Game 2 Win

Jun 9, 2021
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, left, goes up for a shot against Atlanta Hawks' Clint Capela during the second half of Game 2 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, left, goes up for a shot against Atlanta Hawks' Clint Capela during the second half of Game 2 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Philadelphia 76ers salvaged a split at home.

The Eastern Conference's top seed defeated the Atlanta Hawks 118-102 in Tuesday's Game 2 of their second-round playoff series at Wells Fargo Center. Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Shake Milton led the way for the victors, who still have to win at least one game on the road to advance to the conference finals.

Notable showings from Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari weren't enough for the Hawks to steal each of the first two contests in Philadelphia.

Notable Player Stats

  • Joel Embiid, C, PHI: 40 PTS, 13 REB, 2 STL
  • Tobias Harris, F, PHI: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
  • Seth Curry, G, PHI: 21 PTS, 5-of-6 3PT
  • Trae Young, G, ATL: 21 PTS, 11 AST
  • Danilo Gallinari, F, ATL: 21 PTS, 9 REB
  • Kevin Huerter, G, ATL: 20 PTS, 2 BLK

Embiid, Harris and Shake Milton Power 76ers to Series Tie

Tuesday was the first true playoff pressure the 76ers have faced this postseason.

After all, they cruised past the outmatched Washington Wizards in five games and didn't even need Embiid in the final win. Atlanta is a different story, especially after it stole Game 1 on the road and seemed up to the challenge against the Eastern Conference's top seed.

They responded to that dialed-up pressure right out of the gate, as Harris torched the Hawks by backing down smaller defenders and getting into the lane. He was unstoppable as the 76ers jumped out to an 18-point lead in the opening minutes and helped set the tone in what felt like something of a must-win for the home team.

Embiid also dominated down low, while Curry caught fire from deep. It looked like the game would be over quickly, but Philadelphia's defense and second unit was nowhere to be found in the second quarter as Atlanta battled back and, once again, increased the pressure on the top seed.

While Harris took over in the first quarter, it was Embiid's turn in the third. The big man consistently got to the free-throw line as he poured in 17 points in the quarter alone. That effort, along with a buzzer-beating launch from just inside halfcourt by Milton, put a nervous crowd somewhat at ease heading to the fourth.

That Milton buzzer-beater may have been the most important shot of Philadelphia's season, as he took over to start the fourth quarter and put the game away. He threw an alley-oop to Dwight Howard, battled for boards and hit multiple three-pointers to bury the Hawks.

It was the lift the team was looking for all game when Embiid wasn't on the floor and gives the 76ers another weapon as they head to Atlanta for series-shifting games.

Hawks' Comeback Attempts Fall Short in Second Half

It would have been easy for the Hawks to simply go through the motions and accept their loss after already stealing Game 1.

That was especially true after Philadelphia jumped out to a commanding lead in the opening minutes with Harris controlling the offense and Ben Simmons chasing Young around on defense. Young couldn't find his shot from deep with bigger defenders in his air space, and the Hawks were fighting an uphill battle from the start.

And then the second unit showed up.

Specifically, Huerter and Gallinari, who each scored 15 points in the first half while Philadelphia's bench went scoreless, showed up. They each hit three shots from outside to spearhead the comeback, and Embiid even picked up a technical foul when he pushed Gallinari as Philadelphia grew frustrated while the visitors pulled within two by intermission.

It was more of the same in the third quarter, as Atlanta battled back to take the lead after falling behind by double digits once again, with Bogdan Bogdanovic hitting threes. That it was well within striking distance even though it lost that lead before the fourth quarter felt like a win, especially since Young wasn't scoring like he typically does.

Still, Atlanta needed that scoring from Young if it was going to win another one on the road, and it never truly came with Simmons containing him for extended stretches.

The go-to option was 1-of-7 from three-point range and never took over like he did during Game 1 and in the first round against the New York Knicks. While he still finished with a solid stat line thanks in large part to his facilitating, he will need to be better if the Hawks—who scored just 18 points in the fourth—are going to win this series.

What's Next?

The series shifts to Atlanta for Friday's Game 3.

Trae Young Drops 35 as Hawks Take Game 1 vs. 76ers Despite Joel Embiid's Return

Jun 6, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young goes up for a shot during the second half of Game 1 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young goes up for a shot during the second half of Game 1 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks to a 128-124 Game 1 upset over the Philadelphia 76ers despite the return of Joel Embiid.

The guard scored 35 points in Sunday's second-round road win at the Wells Fargo Center. After making easy work of the New York Knicks in Round 1, the Hawks showed they will remain a tough team to beat in their first trip to the Eastern Conference Semifinals since 2016.

Atlanta sent a message early with 42 points in the first quarter, eventually building a 20-point lead at halftime. It looked like it would stay an easy win until a furious comeback by the 76ers in the closing minutes.

Philadelphia ultimately cut the lead down to three with less than a minute remaining until a clutch Bogdan Bogdanovic three quieted the crowd.

A John Collins dunk then put the game nearly out of reach:

The 76ers continued to fight, but Atlanta shot well enough at the free-throw line to survive with a narrow victory.

Embiid dominated with 39 points in his first game back after suffering a knee injury in Round 1, but the East's No. 1 seed still couldn't get the opening win of the series.

Notable Performances

Trae Young, PG, ATL: 35 points, 10 assists, 2 steals

John Collins, PF, ATL: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG, ATL: 21 points, 5 assists

Joel Embiid, C, PHI: 39 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks

Ben Simmons, PG, PHI: 17 points, 10 assists, 4 steals

Tobias Harris, PF, PHI: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals

Trae Young, Outside Shooting Torch Sixers Defense

A bigger stage certainly wasn't too much for Trae Young, who continues to thrive in his first NBA postseason.

The guard was nearly unstoppable early with 25 points and seven assists in the first half:

https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1401606211242315778

The hot shooting helped the Hawks build a 74-54 lead at halftime while impressing just about everyone watching along.

The rest of the team did plenty to help him out, finishing 20-of-47 as a team from three-point range.

https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1401610140579557376

Bogdanovic and Collins each had 21, while Kevin Huerter helped off the bench with 15 points.

The outside shooting and scoring depth meant opponents can't cheat off Young, making this a very difficult unit to stop.

Healthy Joel Embiid Not Enough for Sixers

The biggest story entering the series was the health of Joel Embiid after the MVP candidate suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in Game 4 of the first round.

As good as the 76ers have been this season, playing without the star center was a terrifying proposition.

Embiid was fortunately able to play in Game 1 and looked as good as ever with some tough baskets inside.

The four-time All-Star kept the pressure on the defense, drawing a lot of fouls while also opening up opportunities for his teammates.

The problem is the 76ers didn't take advantage of the openings, finishing 10-of-29 from three-point range in the loss. A combined 19 turnovers as a team further slowed the offense.

Defense was also a major issue with uncharacteristically poor play on that end of the court.

Matisse Thybulle seemingly fared better defensively against Young than Danny Green, but the Hawks had too many players making shots.

The 76ers did show plenty of resolve to lead a comeback, with Ben Simmons having big moments on both ends.

Simmons made all seven of his shots from the field and had 10 assists to keep the offense flowing. He also hurt the team with 3-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line to go with five turnovers.

Small improvements from Simmons and the rest of the team could be enough to get the 76ers back on track in Game 2.

What's Next?

The teams will return to action for Game 2 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Trae Young Would Be 'Surprised' If Nate McMillan Doesn't Return as Hawks Head Coach

Jun 4, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 05: Head coach Nate McMillan of the Atlanta Hawks converses with Trae Young #11 during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena on May 05, 2021 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 05: Head coach Nate McMillan of the Atlanta Hawks converses with Trae Young #11 during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena on May 05, 2021 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young said Friday he'd be "surprised" if interim head coach Nate McMillan doesn't return for the 2021-22 NBA season.

Young appeared on WVEE Radio's The Big Tigger Morning Show (via Jordan Cohn of Audacy Sports) and explained he thinks McMillan has done enough to earn the full-time role:

I'm not surprised they haven't announced because, I don't know, it could become a distraction. I think everybody kind of knows what's going to be coming. We're all winning, so it's not anything that I feel like he should be worried about or anything like that.

It's just the timing. We're in the playoffs, it's the end of the season. I don't think it's something they want to take away from the team right now. I mean, obviously, he's done a great job with helping us turn this around, so I'd be surprised if he's not with us next year.

McMillan joined the Hawks' coaching staff in November as an assistant. He was elevated to the head coaching role March 1 after Lloyd Pierce was fired.

Atlanta was 14-20 at the time of the coaching change. It posted 27-11 record after the switch to earn a playoff berth as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Hawks opened the postseason by knocking out the New York Knicks in five games, with Young averaging 29.2 points in the series to lead the charge. They advance to face the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals.

Jeff Schultz of The Athletic noted Thursday that McMillan sent a simple text message to Young before the playoffs started: "You're built for this."

Now, with Young firing on all cylinders and one of the NBA's deepest rosters thanks to a reserve group led by Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter and Lou Williams, the Hawks have emerged as a legitimate threat and a tough out in the East.

McMillan's ability to get a team that was trending toward a massively disappointing playoff-less campaign into contention should ensure the interim tag is ultimately removed.

In March, the 56-year-old North Carolina native said he struggled with the decision about whether to accept the interim role and wasn't going to put any thought into the full-time position, something he said wasn't enough mentioned with general manager Travis Schlenk at the outset.

"I'm going to take this—and you guys are going to hear me say this as much as you ask—one game at a time," McMillan said. "... So far as the future and what I'm looking for, I really haven't thought about that. There was no conversation about that with Travis and I."

McMillan is in his fourth stint as an NBA head coach. He previously spent seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12), five with the Seattle SuperSonics (2000-05) and four with the Indiana Pacers (2016-20). He'd spent 12 years with the Sonics as a player from 1986 through 1998.

He owns a 688-599 career coaching record in the regular season, but a lackluster 21-37 mark in the playoffs.

The Hawks open their second-round series with the Sixers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.

Hawks' Trae Young: Negative Comments from Fans in Knicks Series a Sign of 'Respect'

Jun 4, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Trae Young (11) of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Madison Square Garden on June 02, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Wendell Cruz-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Trae Young (11) of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Madison Square Garden on June 02, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Wendell Cruz-Pool/Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young took it as a badge of honor that he became a hated figure in Madison Square Garden during the team's playoff series against the New York Knicks. 

Appearing on V103's The Big Tigger Morning Show (starts at 1:10 mark), Young called the booing and negative comments he heard from Knicks fans "a sign of respect."

Young immediately made himself a villain in Madison Square Garden with his game-winning floater in the final seconds of Game 1 against the Knicks. He followed that up by putting his index finger to his mouth in the universal symbol to quiet down.

Knicks fans started the rivalry before that game with a series of colorful chants about the All-Star guard as they were entering the arena for the first game of the series. 

The negative response to Young got out of hand at one point in Game 2. The Knicks announced that a fan who spit on the Hawks star during New York's 101-92 win on May 26 was banned from MSG indefinitely. 

After the Hawks won Games 3 and 4 at home, Young put a final exclamation point on the series when he took a bow late in the fourth quarter of the series-clinching win at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. 

It was an unceremonious ending for the Knicks, who made their first playoff appearance since the 2012-13 season. 

Meanwhile, Young and the Hawks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers starting Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in the Eastern Conference semifinals. 

Trae Young on Praise from Derrick Rose: If He 'Only Knew the Impact He's Had' on Me

Jun 3, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young warms up for Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in New York. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP)
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young warms up for Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in New York. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young had a humble reaction to New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose's effusive praise of him following Atlanta's elimination of New York in the first round of the playoffs.

After Young and the Hawks beat the Knicks in Game 5 on Wednesday to advance to the second round, Rose had nothing but great things to say about the talented young guard:

Young responded on Twitter, noting that Rose has had a huge impact on him as a player:

With the win over New York, Young helped get the Hawks to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They will face the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

While Rose was once one of the NBA's premier guards, being named an All-Star three times and winning the 2011 NBA MVP award, that distinction now belongs to Young.

The 22-year-old star was snubbed from the All-Star Game this season, but he still put up 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers made per game for a Hawks team that went on a tear down the stretch to earn the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

There was a great deal of excitement surrounding the fourth-seeded Knicks entering the playoffs after ending the franchise's eight-year playoff drought, but they looked overmatched against the Hawks while losing the series in five games.

Young was the biggest reason for Atlanta's success against New York. He elevated his level of play and averaged 29.2 points, 9.8 assists, 2.8 three-pointers made and 2.8 rebounds per contest in his first playoff series.

The former University of Oklahoma standout also embraced the role of being a villain at Madison Square Garden and didn't let the vitriol of Knicks fans negatively impact his game.

Rose is now 32 years of age and closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but he remains an important player capable of turning in some big-time performances.

He was undoubtedly one of New York's best players against Atlanta, averaging 19.4 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game, which were numbers well above his regular-season production.

Rose even turned in a 26-point performance in the Knicks' only win of the series, followed by a 30-point showing in Game 3.

Although Rose isn't the same player he once was earlier in his career, he has come back from multiple significant injuries and continues to be an important and productive player.

Rose's longevity is impressive, and it is something Young and all young players can strive toward.

Trae Young on Bow at End of Game 5: 'I Know What They Do When the Show is Over'

Jun 3, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Trae Young (11) of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Madison Square Garden on June 02, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Wendell Cruz-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Trae Young (11) of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Madison Square Garden on June 02, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Wendell Cruz-Pool/Getty Images)

Trae Young painted another masterpiece at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. 

The guard went off for 36 points and nine assists as the Atlanta Hawks eliminated the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, 103-89. At the end of the blowout there was little else for Young to do but take a well-deserved bow. 

"I know where we are," Young said after. "I know there are a lot of shows in this city and I know what they do when the show is over."

Young's bow came with 43.7 seconds remaining right and immediately after he snapped off a 32-foot three-pointer to put the Hawks up 101-86. That capped off the third straight 30-point outing at Madison Square Garden for Young this postseason—putting him alongside Michael Jordan as the only visiting players to do so.

Even the Knicks couldn't help but admire Young's efforts. The Hawks star shared on his Instagram story that guard Derrick Rose gifted him a signed jersey after the game and offered words of encouragement. 

"I've always been a fan of his game," Rose said. "I always called him whenever we played it's like the new era of point guards. He's small, he has to be crafty, his IQ of the game is very high."

Young will especially need to do that in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when he matches up against the Philadelphia 76ers and point guard Ben Simmons—a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. 

Four more wins in the postseason will give the NBA even more reason to respect Young. It'll have the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014-15.

At that point, it won't be Young bowing down. It'll be the rest of the conference bowing to him. 

Hawks' Clint Capela Calls Out Knicks Ahead of Game 5: 'We'll Send You on Vacation'

Jun 1, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 30: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a free throw during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 30: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a free throw during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela had a message for the New York Knicks ahead of Game 5 (warning: NSFW language):

Capela noted the Knicks have provided a lot of trash-talk throughout their Eastern Conference series, but he said the Hawks can do the same "and we can get a win."

Julius Randle, however, could not be bothered by Capela's boisterous remarks. 

"Just heard about it and do not care," he told reporters.  

The Hawks have built a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and can clinch a spot in the next round with a win in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Capela has been quiet offensively in the series with 9.0 points per game, but he has been a key part of the Hawks' success with averages of 13.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. The 6'10", 240-pound Switzerland native has helped slow down Knicks star Julius Randle, who is shooting just 27.4 percent from the field in the playoffs.

It's the type of production the Hawks have come to rely on in Capela's first full season with the team after being traded by the Houston Rockets. He finished the regular season with averages of 15.2 points, 2.0 blocks and a league-leading 14.3 rebounds per game.

Atlanta earned the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference after missing the playoffs in each of the last three years.

The team is now on the brink of eliminating the Knicks, which would represent a quick exit in the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2013. Veteran guard Derrick Rose will try to keep his team alive, but he doesn't plan to engage in a trash talk battle.

"I'm too old for that s--t, bro," Rose said Tuesday, per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

Trae Young on Hawks' 3-1 Series Lead vs. Knicks: 4th Win Will Be 'Toughest' To Get

May 30, 2021
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) congratulates Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) after Bogdanovic scores during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) congratulates Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) after Bogdanovic scores during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Atlanta Hawks might have a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks, but Trae Young isn't taking anything for granted.

"The last one to get is going to be the toughest," Young said after Sunday's game, per Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Young led the Hawks to a 113-96 win over the Knicks in Game 4, putting them one win away from clinching the best-of-seven first-round series.

Only 13 teams in NBA history have overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series, although the Denver Nuggets did it twice last year in the bubble.

The good news for the Knicks is two of the next three games will be at home, which could be a key advantage after going 25-11 at Madison Square Garden during the regular season. The squad needs just one road win to complete the comeback.

New York also hasn't played to its ability yet this series.

Julius Randle, the NBA's Most Improved Player, is shooting just 26.9 percent from the field and hasn't taken over like he did in the regular season. The three-point shooting and defense has also been disappointing compared to what we saw all year. 

Considering the Knicks were the higher seed entering this series, a comeback is not out of the question.

Young is at least aware of the challenge and won't lose focus despite the lead.

The guard is off to a strong start to his playoff career, averaging 27.5 points and 10.0 assists in four games. If he keeps it up, the Hawks will be able to close out the series and advance to the second round.

Bogdan Bogdanovic: Trae Young 'Like a Ferrari...He's Just Learning to Drive the Car'

May 29, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1, Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1, Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Trae Young's superstar performance in the playoffs thus far prompted one of his Atlanta Hawks teammates to compare him to a luxury automobile. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic told reporters after Friday's 105-94 win over the New York Knicks that Young is "like a Ferrari."

"And he's just learning to drive the car," Bogdanovic added. 

The Knicks have had many problems through the first three games in the series, but the biggest one is finding an answer for Young. He is averaging 27.7 points and 10.3 assists per game in the series. 

Atlanta's All-Star point guard let his passing do most of the heavy lifting in Game 3. He dished out 14 of the team's 28 assists. The 22-year-old also had 21 points but shot just 8-of-19 from the field. 

His Game 3 point total was his lowest of the series, and he's recorded at least 10 assists in two of the first three games against the Knicks. He went for 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting and seven assists in Atlanta's loss in Game 2. 

All of the excitement around the Knicks being back in the postseason for the first time in eight years has given way to Young coming into his own as a superstar in the playoffs. He's two wins away from leading the Hawks into the second round for the first time since 2016. 

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