ATLANTA — All-Star level guard Trae Younger returned as a starter for the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night time of their 115-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets after lacking 23 video games with a torn ligament in his left pinkie.
Younger’s return got here with solely three video games remaining within the common season. Younger was injured Feb. 23 and had surgical procedure Feb. 27. He was cleared for apply Monday.
Younger wore a black wrap on his left hand that coated the surgically repaired finger. He gave the primary indication the wrap wouldn’t have an effect on his capturing when he sank an extended shot whereas seated on the Hawks’ bench throughout pregame drills. He went on to attain 14 factors on 5-of-5 capturing (2-of-2 from 3) and contributed 11 assists and 4 rebounds.
“It feels good, my hand feels good,” Younger mentioned afterward.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder mentioned Younger’s minutes can be restricted in opposition to the Hornets as Younger prepares for the Jap Convention play-in match. Younger performed 21 minutes within the loss and did not play within the fourth quarter.
“He appeared snug to me,” Snyder mentioned, including that Younger’s 21 minutes via three durations was a cap set by the crew’s coaching employees.
Younger’s first basket, lower than two minutes into the sport, was a drive and left-handed layup.
“I did not do this on goal,” Younger mentioned. “Nicely, I assume I did. It was pure to me.”
Younger mentioned his purpose is to work as much as a standard load of minutes by the crew’s last regular-season recreation.
The Hawks are tenth within the East. They maintain the ultimate spot within the play-in match, 1½ video games behind No. 9 Chicago.
“We do not essentially management our personal future with that, however we are able to do every thing we are able to,” Snyder mentioned of the race for the No. 9 place and home-court benefit within the first play-in match recreation.
“Greater than something, it is vital we’re enjoying nicely and get wholesome to the extent that we are able to, too.”
Younger leads Atlanta with 26.4 factors and 10.8 assists per recreation. The Hawks have been restricted by an extended record of accidents and had been with out guard Dejounte Murray (proper quad contusion) and forwards De’Andre Hunter (relaxation) and Jalen Johnson (proper ankle sprain) in opposition to Charlotte.
Snyder’s purpose is to have as many gamers as potential wholesome for the play-in match and to have Younger prepared for his regular function.
“The most important factor is it is nice to have him again and he is excited to play,” Snyder mentioned. “How we handle these different issues, typically it is simply time, not only for the group however for Trae to seek out his rhythm. That is a pure a part of coming again.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
