On Sunday night, Trae Young became just the third rookie since 2000 to score 35 points and record 10-plus assist in a single game. The other two: LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

Young has become synonymous with a player like Curry thanks to his auspicious freshman season at Oklahoma where he lit the record books on fire on his way to becoming the first person in NCAA history to lead the nation in both points and assists per game.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Young is not the biggest of players, but he has already proven capable of putting the ball into the hoop.

The uber-confident 30-footers remain and Young certainly had a pep in his step when facing off against fellow rookie point guard, Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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As a rookie on a team that is unlikely to make the postseason this year, determining whether or not this year is a success will rely mostly on the development of Young’s game on the court.

Where he is already succeeding is as a playmaker.

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Young has posted assists totals of five, nine, and eleven in his first three outings. The five against the New York Knicks is the outlier. Had his teammates connected on more shots there’s a reasonable chance that Young could be among the league leaders in assists per game right now–as is, his 8.3 average is tied for fifth most along with LeBron and J.J. Barea.

The threat of his perimeter shot allows him more space when he attacks a defense out of the pick-and-roll. If the on-ball defender goes under the screen or the big drops too far back in their rotation, Young will not hesitate to let it fly.

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Another part of Young’s game that has excelled early in his NBA career is his ability to penetrate into the lane.

Despite being of a smaller stature, Young has shown adept short-area quickness and change of pace skills to team with his ball-handling prowess. Add in the NBA’s point of education on defenders being less physical on and off the ball and Young has been able to snake his way in and out of the lane at will.

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With word coming out that John Collins’ absence will extend into November, the burden of carrying the offense will remain on Young’s shoulders going forward. Through three games his shot chart paints the picture of a player capable of being the conductor to an efficient offense.

Repeat performances like this one will definitely help Atlanta keep their head above water in the meantime.