Trae Young Back For Atlanta, Drops 14 Points In Return From Finger Injury

Atlanta Hawks' star point guard Trae Young made a much-anticipated return to the basketball court after a prolonged absence of 23 games. Young's absence was due to a surgery required to repair a torn tendon in his left fifth finger, an injury that significantly impacted the Hawks' performance and positioning in the league.

In his first game back, Young was eased into the action, playing just 20 minutes. This cautious approach indicates a strategy to gradually increase his playing time, allowing him to regain his form and fitness without risking further injury. 

Young's initial role in his return seemed modest, with him taking only five shots in total. This restraint is part of a deliberate plan to reintegrate him into the team's offensive schemes. Over time, it is expected that Young will become more involved in the offense, resuming his role as the team's primary playmaker and scoring threat.

The timing of Young's return could not be more crucial for the Hawks, who are currently locked in as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Trae Young has been an offensive catalyst all season averaging 26.1 ppg and 10.8 assists with his passing good for second in the league behind Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.