In the first Atlanta playoff game of his career, Trae Young led the Hawks’ 105-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday as they advanced 2-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The young Young had 21 points and 14 rebounds in a generational duel against veteran point guard Derrick Rose, who was practically the Knicks’ only effective weapon with 30 points and 5 assists.
“It feels great, first playoff experience at home. The fans brought the energy tonight and we just went that way until the very end, ”Young thanked.
At 22, the All-Star point guard is starring in a spectacular first playoffs with averages of 27.7 points and 10.3 assists per game.
Young is the fifth player in history to average at least 25 points and 10 assists in his first three postseason games, behind Chris Paul, Stephen Curry and retirees Kevin Johnson and Oscar Robertson.
The Knicks defense, the best of the regular season, was not able to stop the talent of the point guard or the success of other teammates such as center Clint Capela (13 points and 12 rebounds) or Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (15 and 8 ).
“They were a little more aggressive with me today, trying to get the ball out of my hands,” Young said.
The point guard asked for prudence for a victory that lit the almost full stands (15,743 fans) at the State Farm Arena, where there were also rival fans such as the filmmaker Spike Lee, a loyal follower of ‘Knick’.
“We have not tried anything, we have to win this series. There are two more games to win, “stressed Young.
For the Knicks, their star, All-Star power forward Julius Randle, stayed at 14 points with a dismal 2/15 shooting from the field. (GG) (AFP)