The Atlanta Hawks hit double digits in the win column by pulling out a 123-120 contested victory in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

THREE OBSERVATIONS

1. The Kids Are Alright

With the game hanging in the balance, the Atlanta Hawks turned to the unseasoned hands of Trae Young and Kevin Huerter to bring the game home. “The Backcourt of the Future, Today” were able to close the game out for the youthful Hawks.

Young had an and-one floater to put the Hawks ahead 115-114 in overtime and followed that up with the go-ahead three-pointer (from the Timberwolves logo at that) to give Atlanta the lead for good. To make sure the win wouldn’t slip away, Huerter connected on a triple of his own with 43 seconds left to extend the Hawks’ lead to 121-117.

The duo has been playing better and better as the season has worn on and as 2018 comes to a close they have asserted themselves into vital roles for this team in both the present and the future.

2. Trae Young’s Patience

Coming out of Oklahoma, Young’s ability to rain down three-pointers was something that made him must-see television. So far, that marksmanship hasn’t translated to the next level.

However, Young has made an interesting change to his shot selection over the first couple months of his rookie season. Instead of trusting in the numbers to set themselves over the course of time, he’s grown more selective of the three-pointers he takes and when.

The results have been promising so far—he’s 3/6 from the perimeter since he didn’t attempt a single three in the win over the Detroit Pistons on 12/23. In this win over the Timberwolves, Young didn’t take a single three until the aforementioned 30-footer to put the team ahead for good in overtime.

As teams and players have increased the amount of three-pointers shot, Young has gone the opposite direction and has found success so far.

3. .500 Stretch

While claiming the 10th win of the season in late December isn’t something to celebrate, playing .500 basketball over any stretch should be highlighted—especially for this team.

In their last 10 games, the Hawks are 5-5. With four out of the wins over potential playoff teams (Denver, Detroit, Minnesota, and Washington), Atlanta is showing it has the talent and the chops to contend with teams above their punching grade.

The playoffs are a long shot, and some of the fanbase is more worried about ping pong balls than win totals, but good basketball is still good basketball and should be spotlighted.

TWO QUESTIONS

1. Can we end the year with another winning streak?

Probably not, but after that real upbeat final observation I thought it’d be good to bring things back into perspective.

Atlanta is better than Cleveland and should score their second straight win tomorrow night, but the rematch against the Indiana Pacers on New Year’s Eve is likely a loss.

2. Do you believe in “Ball Don’t Lie”?

I do and it seems like Andrew Wiggins does as well. The former number one overall pick missed three of his final four free throws in overtime—and was serenaded to a chorus of boos from the home crowd in response.

The officials weren’t on their A-game, to say the least. Atlanta was in foul trouble early and another big night from Kent Bazemore was ended early due to him fouling out.

Through it all, the Hawks remained resilient and that was key in them snatching away this victory late from the Timberwolves.

ONE PREDICTION

1. Kent Bazemore will be a Houston Rocket

He’s been exceptional in his sixth man role since Lloyd Pierce inserted Huerter into the starting lineup in his place (he’s since taken back a starting slot in Taurean Prince’s extended absence).

Bazemore is likely to be moved at the trade deadline. As a three-and-d wing he is one of the most coveted assets in the modern NBA, and with the added bonus of there just being one year left on his contract, he won’t bring long-term money with him.

One team that has been striving for more wing help is last season’s Western Conference runner-ups, the Houston Rockets. Bazemore could be the piece the team has been lacking for most of the year. With slim pickings on the market, I think the Rockets give up enough capital to get a deal done with the Hawks.