Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder addressed the media regarding Trae Young’s injury after the team’s 123-93 loss to the Boston Celtics. Young exited the game in the third quarter due to a right rib sprain.
Snyder remarked, via ClutchPoints, “What you’ve heard is what I’ve heard. He’s been playing great. He’s worn down right now.” The coach emphasized the importance of competition among the players as they navigate through the season.
In the game against Boston, Young struggled, finishing with only two points on 1-for-10 shooting. His limited contribution was a setback for Atlanta, who now hold a 3-5 record.
The Celtics’ victory improved their record to 7-1. Jayson Tatum led the way with 28 points, scoring 26 of those in the first half.
Boston’s dominance was clear, especially from beyond the arc, where they made 18 three-pointers, including 15 in the first half. The Celtics outscored the Hawks 54-18 from three-point range.
Snyder reflected on the challenges faced by his team. He noted, “We didn’t have the level of force that you need against this team.” The coach acknowledged that Boston’s hot shooting created significant problems for Atlanta.
Jalen Johnson emerged as a bright spot for the Hawks, posting 20 points and 11 rebounds. His performance is one of the few positives as Atlanta looks to regain consistency.
Derrick White also made a notable contribution for the Celtics, scoring 21 points and dishing out six assists. Payton Pritchard provided a spark off the bench with 18 points.
Boston extended its lead significantly in the second quarter, closing it out with a 19-4 run. This surge increased their advantage from seven to 22 points, putting the game out of reach for Atlanta.
Snyder commented on the difficulties of facing a strong team like the Celtics. He explained, “We hit the wall. There were a lot of things that we’ve been doing against a team this good.”
Atlanta’s defensive weaknesses were evident, especially against the three-point shooting of the Celtics. The Hawks entered the game allowing a league-high 41.4% shooting from beyond the arc.
Snyder’s comments reflect the challenges ahead, stating, “Your offense impacts your defense, whether that’s a turnover or tough shots where they can run against you.” Atlanta aims to bounce back and find a rhythm as the season progresses.
