Trae Young is off to an ice-cold start in the Hawks' first-round series against the Celtics.
The two-time All-Star scored 24 points in Atlanta's Game 2 loss on Tuesday night, but he shot just 9-of-22 from the field and had nearly as many turnovers (five) as assists (six). That was actually an improvement compared to a Game 1 defeat in which Boston limited Young to 16 points on 5-of-18 shooting.
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During his postgame media availability, Young acknowledged that his level of play must improve in order to avoid a quick exit.
"I could be better," Young said. "I didn't shoot the ball really well. I had some turnovers where I was just driving, and [the ball] left my hands. I'm gonna be better at home."
"I didn't play my best today, and I know I will going forward. I'm not worried." pic.twitter.com/bJ7qkQuuaW
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) April 19, 2023
Young ran into similar problems during the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs when Atlanta faced a tough Miami defense. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 assists and 6.2 turnovers in five games against the Heat and saw a massive dip in his efficiency.
Despite this run of poor postseason performances, Young remains confident in his ability to bounce back.
"Obviously, the last two years we've played the No. 1 seed, No. 2 seed," Young said. "Obviously, everybody knows the defenses are keyed toward me, and it's up to me to make the right decision and right reads. ...
"I didn't play my best today, and I know I will going forward. I'm not worried."
Young also has the backing of Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, who was hired in February after the team fired Nate McMillan. Snyder credited Young for continuing to compete as Atlanta attempted to "find a rhythm together."
"I know Trae. He'll be the first one watching the tape on the plane, trying to figure out ways where he can play better," Snyder said. "I think we have a lot of guys that are gonna do that, and certainly I'm gonna do it, too."
The Hawks will look to earn their first win of the series in Game 3 on Friday.
