Trae Young scored 38 points as the Atlanta Hawks edged the Charlotte Hornets 125-120 on Friday night, marking Atlanta’s first victory of the season. Young’s dominant performance kept the Hawks ahead, while De’Andre Hunter contributed 24 points, helping to maintain Atlanta’s narrow lead against Charlotte’s surging offense.
LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 34 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers, keeping the game tight until the final minutes. Ball’s performance came just two days after he scored 34 points in the Hornets’ season opener against Houston. Despite Ball’s impressive shooting, his early exit due to fouling out proved to be a turning point late in the game.
The Hawks took control in the opening quarter, building a 12-point lead as Charlotte struggled to find rhythm. However, the Hornets rallied in the second, putting up 42 points and narrowing the gap to just four points by halftime.
Atlanta’s lead faced several challenges as the Hornets repeatedly leveled the score in the fourth quarter, but each time, Young responded with timely baskets. With the game tied at 90, he hit a three-pointer, and after a quick equalizer by Charlotte’s Josh Green, Young’s short jumper put Atlanta back in front.
Charlotte was without key starters Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, both sidelined due to injuries. Miles Bridges stepped up with 27 points, and Tre Mann added 17, contributing to a balanced Hornets offense with four players scoring in double figures. Nick Richards also made an impact with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, yet Charlotte couldn’t close the gap after Ball left the court.
Atlanta’s bench played a key role in sealing the win, with Dyson Daniels scoring 18 points and Onyeka Okongwu adding seven points and eight rebounds. The Hawks’ bench outscored Charlotte’s reserves, helping to sustain their advantage down the stretch.
Young’s control over the game was evident not just in his scoring but also in his playmaking. Finishing with eight rebounds and 10 assists, he orchestrated Atlanta’s offense, effectively countering Charlotte’s defensive efforts.
Charlotte’s offense, spearheaded by Ball’s three-point shooting, came close but couldn’t overcome the Hawks’ efficient scoring. Although Ball shot an impressive 9-for-14 from beyond the arc, the Hornets couldn’t find consistent defensive stops to keep Atlanta at bay.
