The Atlanta Hawks are facing a pivotal moment in their season, and it’s not just about basketball. With star guard Trae Young now traded to the Washington Wizards, the team is stepping into uncharted territory—both emotionally and strategically. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Hawks truly thrive without their franchise cornerstone, or will this move unravel their season? Let’s dive in.
The Hawks kick off a challenging four-game road trip this Friday, starting with a rematch against the Denver Nuggets. This game is personal. On December 5, Denver staged a stunning comeback, erasing an 18-point deficit to edge out Atlanta 134-133. Hawks coach Quin Snyder didn’t mince words: “This one hurts. They all hurt, but particularly how this one happened.” Denver’s Nikola Jokić, a dual threat in rebounding (12 per game) and assists (11 per game), dropped 40 points in that thriller. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the charge with 30 points. The Nuggets have been nearly unstoppable at home this season, and the Hawks, sitting at 11-10, will need to dig deep to secure a win.
And this is the part most people miss: The Hawks’ road ahead isn’t just about basketball—it’s about proving they can still compete without Trae Young. On Sunday, January 11, they face the Golden State Warriors for the first time this season. With future Hall of Famer Steph Curry averaging nearly 30 points per game, this matchup is a must-watch. The two teams will clash again in Atlanta on March 21, but for now, the Hawks must focus on containing Curry’s explosive offense.
The road trip intensifies on Tuesday, January 13, when Atlanta takes on the Lakers. This game marks the second meeting between the teams this season, with the Hawks securing a 122-108 victory on November 8. But this time, they’ll face a Lakers squad led by NBA scoring leader Luka Dončić (33.7 points per game) and the ageless LeBron James. The trip wraps up in Portland on Thursday, January 15, against the Trail Blazers, where the Hawks will aim to end their journey on a high note.
Before hitting the road, the Hawks hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on January 7, winning 117-100—their first game without Trae Young. The trade to the Wizards, which included guard CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, has left fans divided. McCollum, despite being in his 13th NBA season, remains a high-caliber player, as evidenced by his 46-point outburst in a Wizards win on November 25. But will this trade be enough to fill the void left by Young? That’s the million-dollar question.
The Pelicans game showcased the Hawks’ resilience. Atlanta stormed out to a 37-26 first-quarter lead, fueled by Zaccharie Risacher’s three-pointer and Kristaps Porziņģis’s pair of threes. By halftime, they led 65-53, a rare feat for a team that had lost eight of their last 10 games. Risacher finished with 25 points, while Porziņģis and Luke Kennard added 13 points each. Jalen Johnson, the team’s leading scorer, chipped in 19 points. Yet, the Pelicans cut the lead to 12 late in the game, reminding the Hawks that no lead is safe.
Here’s the bold question: Can the Hawks sustain this momentum without Trae Young, or will they crumble under the pressure of losing a fan favorite? The DeKalb Path Academy choir’s rendition of “We Shall Overcome” before the Pelicans game felt symbolic. But overcoming this trade will require more than just talent—it’ll take heart, strategy, and a unified locker room.
As the Hawks navigate this road trip, one thing is clear: their season hangs in the balance. Will they rise to the challenge, or will the absence of Trae Young prove too great? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Hawks can still compete at a high level, or is this the beginning of a downward spiral?
