The Atlanta Hawks are on the rise and star point guard Trae Young will bring their six-game winning streak to Memphis on Friday to take on the Grizzlies and their high-flying general, Ja Morant.
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It’s been a breakout year for the Grizzlies keeper, who seems to have taken the next step towards superstardom this season. In 18 games, he averaged 25.3 points per game, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Right before the start of the new season Morant tells Michael Scotto about HoopsHype that he feels he is the top five point guard in the league. That confidence has grown as the season has passed and Morant is making the defense nervous every time he is isolated by a defender.
“Personally, I would never say that no one in this world can beat me 1-on-1” Morant said. “Like, it’s just that confidence I have in myself. And no matter who I’m up against, I’ve always taken my own. Like, I’m not afraid of anyone. It doesn’t matter, you know, fear. scare someone out there. I’m knocking me down and doubling every time.”
Young, who was picked at No. 5 overall a year before Morant, lifted himself and the Hawks to new heights last season, ending with an impressive debut against the New York Knicks and a run to the Finals. ended the Eastern Conference, losing to eventual champion the Milwaukee Bucks. “Ice Trae” averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 16 games during the Hawks’ playoffs.
He brought a sense of excitement to the Hawks and, after a slow start, they started clicking, going through a six-game winning streak that has seen them rise back above .500, sliding up the board Eastern ratings. That’s the momentum Young hopes will propel the team forward.
“I just think everyone plays with excitement,” Children said. “That’s all I try to do. You see the boys who always have smiles on their faces when they play big, and the guys on the bench happy for each other. That’s what it’s all about. I think it’s hope that my teammates all enjoy playing with me. ”
The last time the two faced each other in Memphis was a super exciting one – Morant had 28 points and 7 assists, while Young finished with 36 points, 9 assists and a win. Hopefully that game is just a prelude to what we’ll see more often in the next few years.
When these two movie stars hit the floor on Friday, realize you’re watching one of the NBA’s next big games as a keeper in real time.
