Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder declined to discuss the specifics of Trae Young’s trade immediately after Wednesday’s 117-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena. “I’m not at liberty to talk about or answer that right now,” Snyder said.
Snyder emphasized the team’s focus and consistency during the game. “Our guys were focused from the beginning… there’s a stretch in the fourth quarter where we turned the ball over, but other than that it was a good win,” he added.
The coach praised the performance and growth of younger players like Zaccharie Risacher. “There’s lots of ways to impact the game… crashing on the offensive glass, defending, running. I love his aggressiveness,” Snyder said, noting Risacher’s ability to influence games beyond scoring.
Snyder highlighted Trae Young’s continued impact despite his absence. “Seeing a player that’s an integral part of the team when they’re out or injured… to stay connected to the team is always important,” he said, adding that Young’s presence helps guide younger players like Zaccharie Risacher.
On maintaining control throughout the game, Snyder said, “Consistency throughout the course of the game… when certain key guys embrace that, the team follows their lead,” praising Jalen Johnson’s playmaking as setting the tone for the Hawks.
The coach also noted the importance of the bench during this transitional period. “The team we went into the season with has not really been the team we’ve played… when your bench is selfless, it impacts the game and the group,” Snyder said, singling out Mouhamed Gueye, Asa Newell, and Keaton Wallace.
Atlanta’s balanced attack was led by Risacher with 25 points, Jalen Johnson added 19 points and eight rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 17 points. Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Dyson Daniels each scored in double figures as the Hawks built a 23-point fourth-quarter lead.
New Orleans, missing Trey Murphy, saw Zion Williamson lead with 22 points, Jordan Poole add 21, and Bryce McGowens 20, but the Pelicans were unable to match Atlanta’s efficiency, shooting 44 percent overall and 29 percent from three.
Snyder’s remarks underscored the Hawks’ resilience after Young’s trade to Washington, which sent CJ McCollum to Atlanta along with Corey Kispert. Atlanta improved to 18-21 and will open a four-game road trip at Denver on Friday, while New Orleans falls to 8-31 and returns home to face the Wizards.
