Hawks’ Trae Young sends pointed message to Rockets’ Dillon Brooks
The Atlanta Hawks faced a competitive matchup against the Houston Rockets on December 20, ultimately securing a hard-fought 134-127 victory. The game featured notable moments, including some aggressive play from former Grizzlies player Dillon Brooks, known for his physical style. Despite Brooks’ attempts to provoke Hawks star Trae Young, the latter remained focused on leveraging physicality to his advantage. Young showcased an impressive performance, recording 30 points with a 55.6% shooting accuracy, including 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he extended his streak of five consecutive games with 30 points and 10 assists, a feat achieved by only a few players in NBA history. Young’s contributions highlight his unique ability to lead in both points and assists, reminiscent of Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson’s achievements in the 1960s.
However, the game had its share of controversies, with Brooks accumulating five fouls, including a contentious incident with Onyeka Okongwu. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had to intervene to prevent Brooks from excessive complaints to the officials, a behavior that resulted in fines for both Brooks and Udoka in their previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Young acknowledged the challenges posed by the absence of players like Jalen Johnson, emphasizing the impact on team dynamics and individual roles. The Hawks, despite surrendering a 20-point lead, showcased resilience and growth, with Young expressing confidence in the team’s ability to improve third-quarter performances. The return of Johnson, particularly for his defensive prowess, is anticipated to bolster the Hawks as they strive for consistency in their season.