The Atlanta Hawks buried their dream of the NBA Finals in Game 6. Trae Young was nevertheless optimistic about the future, and interim coach Nate McMillan was also confident.
“This group can become something special,” said a proud McMillan after the departure. “You got a taste of what it takes to get this far. You have beaten good teams with New York and Philadelphia and I think it can be the start of something.”
Franchise star Trae Young, who was absent from games 4 and 5, but this time ran up despite bone marrow edema on his ankle, made a similar statement.
“We have achieved so much this year and made the city happy. It should stay that way.” It was Young in particular who made his breakthrough to become a recognized superstar in his first postseason.
Trae Young: “People have a different picture of me”
The Guard was also aware of this. “At the start of the season I wanted to prove to everyone that I could win,” said the 22-year-old. “I said that I don’t care about individual awards and that winning is more important to me. I hope people see me differently now.”
Game 6 was rather an exception, the playmaker sank only four of his 17 attempts for 14 points, but over the playoffs Young put on an average of 28.8 points and 9.5 assists. “It was a bit frustrating for me that I wasn’t really fit and couldn’t give 100 percent,” said Young about his performance, but didn’t want to use it as an excuse.
Instead, the youngster, who was neither an All-Star nor an All-NBA player this season, preferred to look to the future. The Hawks had missed the playoffs three times in a row, three times they did not even reach 30 wins. Now only two successes were missing for the finals, 27 teams had to pack their bags before the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks: What Happens To Coach Nate McMillan?
If Young has his way, it should not have been a flash in the pan, when asked, the Guard said that the Hawks can also be a contender in the long term. “I always have faith in myself and the guys in the dressing room have it too. The group believes in themselves and that’s what Nate preaches over and over again. I do believe our team can win a championship,” said Young.
The dismissal of ex-coach Lloyd Pierce may be considered the turning point of the season, McMillan took over for him (balance sheet afterwards: 37-19 including postseason), who was also led as interim coach in the playoffs. Young, Collins or Cam Reddish all made a strong stand for the 56-year-old, and in all likelihood the coach will stay in Atlanta for the long term.
“We had agreed from the start that I would talk to the management and the owner group after the season,” revealed McMillan. “Now the season is over, a lot of good things have happened. We’ll talk, but I can say I enjoyed the time.”
Bucks vs. Hawks: The Series at a Glance – 4-2
– .
