In a dazzling display in Mexico City, Trae Young took center stage, scoring 41 points and orchestrating a late-game three-pointer by Dejounte Murray that secured a 120-119 victory for the Atlanta Hawks over the Orlando Magic.
Young’s stellar performance captivated the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, marking the first time the Hawks played a regular-season game south of the border.
The dynamic guard’s 33-point first-half showcase set the tone for Atlanta, with Jalen Johnson contributing 19 points, Murray adding 16, and Bogdan Bogdanovic finishing with 15.
Despite the Magic enjoying the home team status, the boisterous crowd, clad in Young’s jerseys and Hawks gear, passionately cheered for the visiting team, creating a memorable atmosphere.
The thrilling encounter saw lead changes, culminating in Franz Wagner’s hook shot giving the Magic a 119-117 lead with 43 seconds left.
However, Young’s strategic play and a clutch three-pointer by Murray secured the dramatic one-point victory for the Hawks.
The contest in Mexico City marked the league’s 32nd game in the country since 1992, underscoring the NBA’s popularity in Mexico, with 30 million fans and the potential for future expansion.
