Trae Young, Hawks Surive Big Second Half From the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama in Annual MLK Day Game

Atlanta is now 16-23 this season after their win over the Spurs

Basketball can be a weird sport sometimes. 

After being blown out in two straight games against bad opponents, the Hawks put together one of their best halves of the season and then held on for dear life in the second half. Yes, the Spurs are really bad, but given how things have gone for the Hawks lately, they will take a win against anyone in the NBA. 

Playing in their first national television game of the season, the Hawks were firing on all cylinders to start. Then, everyone got to see the incredible talent that is Victor Wembanyama. 

It was also a huge afternoon from Trae Young, who became the youngest player in NBA history to score 10,000 points. 

10K TRAE 🥶❄️🧊

Trae Young becomes the 10th-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points! pic.twitter.com/cXGYcs8GJl

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 15, 2024

There were some interesting storylines in this game. It was Dejounte Murray vs his old team and Victor Wembanyama's first time playing in Atlanta. 

The injury report was light for both teams coming into the game, meaning there was little question about starting lineups. Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson, Saddiq Bey, and Clint Capela were the first five on the floor for the Hawks. 

Julian Champagnie, Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama were the starters for the Spurs. 

It can be hyperbole to suggest a game was over from the time that it tipped off, but that is what occurred today. 

Dejounte Murray vs the Spurs / Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta got off to a 9-0 start that turned into a 16-5 lead just minutes later. The Hawks were having success getting into the paint and the Spurs were having a hard time scoring. They found a way to get good looks, but they could not get the ball to go in and that led to more opportunities for the Hawks. 

The first quarter of this game was arguably the best defensive quarter of the year for Atlanta. The Spurs shot 28.6% from the field and 18.2% from three in the first quarter and Murray in particular did a good job on that end of the floor. 

There was a point in time in the second quarter in which the Spurs had not scored a point. 

Yes, you read that correctly. 

Atlanta ballooned the lead up to 45-16 before the Spurs scored again and by halftime, Atlanta led by 35 points, 69-34. It was a brilliant performance, especially from their superstar point guard. 

Trae is COOKING pic.twitter.com/rY3c8drd9V

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 15, 2024

Young had 29 points and seven assists in the first quarter and was getting whatever he wanted against the Spur's defense. In their previous matchup this season, Young scored 45 points against San Antonio. I think it is safe to say he plays well against this team. 

Atlanta shot 51.9% from the field in the first half and 42.9% from three. They had 36 points in the paint in the first half. 

It was as ugly of a half for the Spurs as you can expect from that score. San Antonio shot 26.7% from the field and 18.2% from three. Wembanyama was held scoreless. Jeremy Sochan led the way for the Spurs with 15 points. 

In the second half, things were not as smooth for the Hawks. 

Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell / Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio found a way to make the Hawks sweat in the second half and credit to them for not giving up on the game. The Hawks are the worst third-quarter team in the league and the Spurs made a big move to cut into the lead. 

Wembanyama did not score a point in the first half, but he led the charge for San Antonio in the third quarter and the second half. 

San Antonio outscored the Hawks 33-18 in the third quarter and the Hawks offense went ice cold. They were not getting the easy points in the paint like the first half and Young was being defended much better. 

Wembanyama showed the world why he is considered a once-in-a-generation type of talent. After not scoring a point in the first half, he had eight in the third quarter and Julian Champagnie had 15 points on five made threes. 

The lead got down to as little as six, but Atlanta got back on track and won the game. The offense hit their free throws and got enough stops in the end to avoid a disastrous loss. 

For the game, Atlanta shot 43% from the floor and 34% from three. The second-half numbers were horrible though. Atlanta shot 30.8% from the field and 23.5% from three. 

San Antonio 40% from the field and 26% from three. In the second half, they shot 52% from the field and 35% from three. 

Young finished with 36 points and 13 assists.

Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. 

Atlanta's next game is at home on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, Tip of is set for 7:30. 

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