Coming back from a 13-point deficit in Game 5 against the Celtics, Trae Young has managed to keep the Atlanta Hawks’ season alive. Trailing by 1 point, Ice Trae connected a long-distance game-winner.
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TRAE YOUNG FROM THE LOGO. HAWKS TAKE LEAD 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/04t1qhiImy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2023
Playing 44:07 minutes of the clash, the shift guard managed to put on his best performance from the first-round series. Clinching a 38-point, 13-assist double-double, the 24-year-old star led the Georgia-based franchise to grab a 119-117 win and force a Game 6.
TRAE YOUNG TONIGHT:
38 POINTS
13 ASSISTS
16 POINTS IN THE 4TH QUARTERAtlanta avoids elimination 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ye2DC6TTTC
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 26, 2023
Connecting the huge 3-pointer, the 6-foot-1 sharpshooter revealed his true emotions before attempting the shot:
“I just had to trust in what I’ve done my whole life and shoot it with confidence,” Young said.
Ray Young lauds Quin Snyder
As revealed in the postgame interview, Quin Snyder displayed his trust in Trae during the final timeout huddle. Not drawing up any play, the ATL head coach asked Young to “be instinctive” and come up with a play of his own.
“Be instinctive. Make a play. We all believe in you.” – Quin Snyder on what he said to Trae before that final possession. @HawksOnBally
— Lauren Jbara (@laurenjbara) April 26, 2023
As soon as Coach Snyder’s game plan went viral on social media, Trae’s father took it to Twitter, commending the new Hawks’ head coach for being the “best thing to happen to his son”.
Said it once and I’ll say it again!
No disrespect to anyone before but Quin Snyder is the best thing to happen to my son since he arrived in Atlanta draft night! 🏀❤️🙏🏾 https://t.co/zZX5VJru2G
— Ray Young (@rayfordyoung) April 26, 2023
Whether it was deliberate or not, Ray Young has directed subtle shade toward Nate McMillan.
For those who aren’t aware – the relationship between Nate and Trae deteriorated drastically during the season. However, things escalated when the Hawks leader left the arena in December.
After the firing of McMillan, the Hawks’ front office brought in the former head coach of the Jazz, Quin Snyder, who has been seen sharing a great relationship with all of his players.
Shaquille O’Neal hypes up Trae Young following game-winner
Trae’s game-winner was impressive, to say the least. Many fans and analysts were left in awe of the ATL star’s heroics. Shaquille O’Neal was just one of the many.
After the Hawks won Game 5, the former Los Angeles Lakers legend posted a clip of the final play on his Instagram story.
Trae’s game winner impressed many around the globe, including Shaq pic.twitter.com/9tf45BdeEd
— Advait Jajodia (@Jajodia_Advait) April 26, 2023
The series now shifts to the Philips Arena. With ATL gaining some momentum, Tatum and co. will need to regroup and prevent from being forced to play a Game 7.