TORONTO, Canada — Trae Young’s spectacular performance of 38 points and 11 assists propelled the Atlanta Hawks to a resounding 125-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Hawks, snapping their season-long five-game losing streak.
Bogdan Bogdanovic also played a pivotal role, contributing 20 points, while Clint Capela dominated the first quarter, scoring 10 of his season-high 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. The team’s collective effort was a response to their recent struggles, as noted by Young, who emphasized the team’s growth and dissatisfaction with their prior form.
Dejounte Murray added 17 points, helping the Hawks bounce back from a previous loss to Toronto. This game was a significant defensive improvement for Atlanta, as highlighted by Coach Quin Snyder, who praised the team’s focus and execution.
Onyeka Okongwu (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Saddiq Bey (10 points, 10 rebounds) contributed to the Hawks’ impressive stats, with four players recording double-doubles, a rarity for the team in the past two decades. Atlanta’s dominance was further underscored by their substantial rebounding advantage, 55 to Toronto’s 32, and a significant 16-3 lead in offensive boards.
Young, who shot an impressive 15 for 29, scored 29 of his points in the second half, demonstrating his pivotal role in the Hawks’ offense. The Raptors struggled to contain him, as acknowledged by Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic.
Murray’s performance included nine assists and seven rebounds, while Bogdanovic continued his scoring streak, having scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games.
The Raptors, in contrast, couldn’t replicate their previous 3-point shooting success, only making 10 of 31 attempts from long range. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points, but the team’s overall performance fell short, marking their 2-7 record since late November.
The Hawks’ lead at halftime was a solid foundation that they built upon in the third quarter, where Young scored 16 points. Atlanta entered the fourth quarter with an 87-78 advantage, which they maintained to secure the win.
Injuries were a factor for both teams, with Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson sidelined, while Pascal Siakam’s 402nd career start for the Raptors marked a milestone, surpassing Vince Carter in the team’s history.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will face Cleveland on Saturday night, and the Raptors will host Charlotte on Monday night, as both teams aim to build on their respective performances.
