Atlanta Hawks Win Halloween Game, Embrace Team Play Without Injured Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks are demonstrating improved team basketball without Trae Young, who is sidelined by a knee injury. In his absence, the team has showcased better ball movement, more balanced scoring, and strong defensive efforts, leading to consecutive wins against the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers with multiple players contributing significantly. Despite these encouraging performances, concerns remain about the Hawks' ability to sustain offensive success without Young, especially if his injury extends. Additionally, internal skepticism about Young's role has surfaced, with former player DeMarcus Cousins suggesting that the Hawks are not fully committed to building around him, underscoring a potential shift in the franchise's direction. Coach Quin Snyder emphasized the need for a collective defensive effort and highlighted key players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels stepping up during Young's absence. Overall, the Hawks face a pivotal moment in evaluating their future with or without Young as their franchise cornerstone.