On a play near the end of the first half of a recent game against the Houston Rockets, star guard Trae Young went down. He hurt his right knee on a sprain in the first quarter. The controversial play occurred late in the first half. When Gueye was pushed backward by Noah Clowney, he crashed into Young’s leg. This shocking scene sent fans, teammates, and everyone watching into a fear for the long-term health of the four-time All-Star.
Coming into the game, Young had been playing lights out, averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 assists on the season. He demonstrated exceptional playmaking ability in his first year with the Cavs as he topped the NBA with a career-high 11.6 assists per game. That encouraging run came to an abrupt end with the devastating injury.
In the immediate aftermath of the collision, Young stayed on the court but quickly checked himself out of the game after one possession. He hurried past reporters and the open locker room, immediately ringing alarm bells that something might be up. It took a number of minutes for him to get back on his feet as he looked to be in a great deal of agony. After receiving medical treatment, he was able to run back to the bench area during the next timeout.
The Atlanta Hawks front office quickly decided to rule Young out for the remainder of the night. This came only after he fought valiantly to remain in the contest despite clearly spraining his knee. The ruling underlines how cautiously the team is guarding their prized offensive cog’s health. They understand just how important he is as a leader, both on and off the court.
Young just celebrated his 27th birthday last month. He’s largely regarded as one of the best playmakers in the league and has been a strong playmaker for the Hawks since his rookie season. His absence from the lineup could have implications for the team’s performance moving forward, especially given his pivotal role in facilitating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
At the moment, an MRI is pending to more determine the severity of Young’s injury. The outcome of this examination will determine his availability for upcoming games, which remains a concern for fans and teammates alike. The Hawks will definitely be monitoring his recovery process. They weather the storm of the fall campaign without one of their best players.
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