CLEVELAND — What happens when the NBA leader in assists takes on one of the most dominant teams early in the season? A thrilling upset, courtesy of Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. Young put on a show Thursday night, notching a stunning career-high 22 assists, leading the Hawks to a 135-124 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked the Cavs' first home loss of the season, dropping their record to 17-2.
The performance was particularly noteworthy as it not only exceeded Young's personal best but also set the scene for one of the most compelling NBA matchups this year. The Cavaliers had been on fire at home, winning ten straight games before this unexpected defeat. The Hawks, who entered the game with their own struggles — seeking to snap a three-game losing streak — found themselves rising to the occasion.
Even more impressive was Young's ability to make magic happen even at the game's most intense moments. He demonstrated his sharpshooting skills by sinking clutch 39-foot 3-pointers, sending the crowd at Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse packing after he silenced them with his steady shooting. "I couldn’t let my team down twice in a row, so I had to make the play," Young said, reflecting on the game. "When I got the ball back, I still had time to make it happen. And that's what happened."
Young’s contributions weren't just limited to flashy plays; he consistently created scoring opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his ability to read the floor and set up advantageous plays. His sharp vision and adept passing allowed De'Andre Hunter to score 26 points and Jalen Johnson to contribute with 22 points, making it clear the Hawks’ offense was firing on all cylinders.
Young’s assist total technically beat out New Orleans Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton, who dropped 21 assists just days prior. His 22 assists, now the highest recorded this season, also fall just shy of the franchise record set by Mookie Blaylock, who posted 23 assists way back on March 6, 1993. Those honors make Young's night even more significant as he stands to cement his legacy within Hawks' history.
Coach Quin Snyder praised Young's all-around gameplay, emphasizing his poise under pressure and leadership on the court. “He threw himself deeply to the game,” Snyder said, adding, "He forced the pace, gave guys chances, and trusted his teammates." This trust seemed to pay off as the Hawks rallied from being down earlier, marking their third notable comeback this season from double-digit deficits.
Trailing by as much as 19 points earlier, the Hawks fought back with relentless determination. Young's agility and decision-making propelled them toward victory as he picked up eight of his assists during the high-stakes fourth quarter, pushing past Cleveland's defense.
But the night’s drama didn't just come from the Hawks alone. Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers' star and fierce competitor, scored 30 points and was matched well by teammate Evan Mobley. Mobley contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to thwart Atlanta's surprising attack. The game featured intense back-and-forth, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Young’s ability shines brightest when the stakes are highest, consistently proving he can rise to the occasion when the team needs him most. "For the smallest guy on the floor, he sees the game really well," Hunter remarked, speaking to Young’s skill set.
This game wasn't just about numbers for Young, but about the impact he has on his team's success at key moments. Following the game, he entered the media room clutching the basketball like it was a trophy, the swell of excitement evident for someone who achieved personal and team milestones. Asked about his newfound assist record, Young was humble: "I didn't know until just now. Thank you," he replied, embracing the energy of the moment.
The Hawks are planning to meet the Cavaliers again on Friday for another NBA Cup matchup, promising even more electric moments and potential highlight reels. Both teams will surely prepare diligently, with Atlanta aiming to carry forward this momentum against one of the league's best.
For fans and analysts alike, Young’s show-stopping performance reiterates just how powerful his playmaking can be. Not only does he command respect at the 3-point line, but he also showcases impressive court vision, making him one of the league's most versatile guards. His combination of skills and resilience will likely make every matchup riveting as the season continues, all eyes glued to how many assists he can stack up next. Could this be the beginning of another stellar season for the Hawks and their point guard?