The Atlanta Hawks secured a 132-122 victory over the Utah Jazz on November 14, 2025, marking their fourth consecutive win. Remarkably, the team has maintained a strong performance despite the absence of All-Star guard Trae Young, who is sidelined due to a sprained MCL suffered on October 29. This injury is expected to keep him out at least until December, raising questions about the team’s future direction.
Since Young’s injury, the Hawks have outscored opponents by an average of 10.1 points per game. They rank fifth in field-goal percentage and eighth in three-point shooting, leading the NBA with an impressive 31.1 assists per game. The shift in team dynamics has been notable, with forward Jalen Johnson stepping up to take charge of the offense.
Johnson showcased his potential in the recent game against the Jazz, delivering a career-high 31 points, along with 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and 7 steals. His performance underlines a surprising trend: the Hawks have thrived in their passing game without the league’s assists leader from the previous season. Since Young’s departure from the lineup, Johnson has averaged 22 points, 7.4 assists, and 11 rebounds per game.
The Hawks have also seen contributions from Dyson Daniels, who has taken on the point guard role in Young’s absence. Daniels has averaged 6.9 assists and boasts an impressive shooting percentage of 51.4%. Notably, seven Hawks players are averaging double-digit scoring during this stretch, including Vit Krejci, who has hit three three-pointers per game at a remarkable 52.5% accuracy rate.
Defensively, the Hawks have shown significant improvement without Young. They currently possess the second-best defensive rating in the NBA, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder. The backcourt, featuring Nickeil Alexander-Walker alongside Daniels, has been critical in achieving this feat, with the team averaging 11.3 steals and 5.9 blocks per game.
As the Hawks continue to perform well, the future of Trae Young remains uncertain. Young holds a player option worth $49 million for the 2026-27 season, but the team’s recent success could influence the franchise’s decision regarding his contract and potential extensions. Following a summer where the two sides struggled to agree on an extension, the Hawks might consider trading Young once he returns to the court, especially if they aim to maximize his value before he potentially enters free agency.
One thing is clear: the Hawks are finding success without their star player, and this could signal a pivotal moment for the franchise as they explore their options moving forward. With Johnson emerging as a key player, the team may have a new focal point as they navigate the rest of the season.
