ATLANTA — Trae Young returned from injury to lead the Atlanta Hawks to their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 123-110 at State Farm Arena on March 12, 2025. Young, who had missed Atlanta's previous game, showcased his exceptional skills, finishing with 35 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds, all the more impressive due to his perfect record from the free-throw line, going 21-for-21.
This achievement makes Young the eighth player in NBA history to successfully make 21 or more free throws without missing. It was also the first time any player has registered 30-plus points and 10-plus assists with 20 or more free throws made without a miss, according to Opta Stats. "I think it’s important for any good team to be able to show you can win in a variety of ways," Young said after the game.
The contest between the Hawks and Hornets saw both teams struggle offensively at times. Atlanta shot 42% from the field and just under 37% from beyond the arc. Despite the slow start for both teams, the Hawks managed to maintain their lead throughout the game, fueled by Young's strong performance, especially during the third quarter where he scored 17 points.
Caris LeVert and Georges Niang contributed significantly to the Hawks' win, scoring 15 and 12 points respectively. The Hornets, meanwhile, found themselves depending on Miles Bridges, who led their scoring with 31 points and 11 rebounds, and LaMelo Ball, who added 25 points and nine assists. Despite their efforts, Charlotte's losing streak continued, dropping them to sixth place with only two wins on the road this season.
The first half was marked by turnovers, with both teams combining for 19 before halftime. The Hawks managed to hold onto the lead, going up by as much as seven points, but Charlotte kept the score competitive, trailing just slightly at 52-49 at the break.
Coming out of the locker rooms, the Hawks quickly scored 11 unanswered points, establishing control with a 63-49 lead. The Hornets attempted to close the gap, cutting the deficit to just four points through their relentless pursuit. But Young's three-point play gave the Hawks back the momentum, restoring their lead to 10 points with time ticking down.
The Hawks are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers on March 14, 2025, with Young noting the significance of their upcoming opponent, especially with the anticipated return of sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had been absent from the lineup.
Looking beyond this game, Young commented on the challenges NBA teams face across the season. "When your shots aren’t falling, you have to figure out and find a way to win,” he explained. This mindset is reflected deeply within the Hawks' playstyle this season, emphasizing adaptability and resilience.
Upcoming Challenges for Teams
The Hornets are also gearing up as they prepare for their upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs, aiming to break their road slump. With only six wins on the road this season against 25 losses, every game is pivotal for both teams as they aim for improved standings within the Eastern Conference.
The game served as a reminder of Young's immense talent and potential as he continues to accrue impressive stats, now averaging 23.8 points and 11.5 assists this season. His exceptional foul shooting accuracy is noteworthy; the odds of making 21 consecutive free throws for someone with his shooting percentage—approximately 4.99 percent—highlighted the rarity of his accomplishment.
Through the ups and downs of this season, the Hawks seek to maintain their momentum as they aim for stronger playoff positioning, leveraging their skillful performances, especially from Young and other standout players. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to both the clash with the Clippers and the Hornets' mission to redeem themselves against the Spurs.