Young scores 45, leads Hawks to 137-135 victory over Spurs handing them their 13th consecutive loss

In a thrilling contest against the San Antonio Spurs, Trae Young exhibited an unstoppable performance in the fourth quarter, climaxing with a pivotal defensive stop. Young not only recorded a season-high 45 points but also secured the victory by drawing a critical charge from Jeremy Sochan with a mere 2.7 seconds left. This impressive play, overshadowing Young's stellar offensive night, earned praise from Atlanta coach Quin Snyder.

Despite Sochan matching his career high with 33 points and Victor Wembanyama's remarkable performance of 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks for the Spurs, it was Young's strategic defensive move that sealed the fate of the game. Young's 13 points in the fourth quarter, coupled with his effective free throw shooting, halted the Hawks' two-game skid and left the Spurs with their 13th consecutive loss.

Dejounte Murray, facing his former team, contributed 24 points and five steals for the Hawks, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 14 points. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson's efforts weren't enough to lift the Spurs, who now stand at 3-15, a record reminiscent of their struggles in 1996. Coach Gregg Popovich acknowledged Young's dominance, stating, "You get to fourth quarters, the great players take over, and that’s been difficult for us. Trae had his way."

The Spurs initially dominated with a 15-point lead in the first half, thanks to Wembanyama's exceptional play, overcoming concerns about a tight hip. However, Atlanta's defensive adjustments in the final quarter limited San Antonio's free-throw opportunities, securing the Hawks' victory.

As the Spurs fell to their 13th straight loss, Young's standout performance and crucial defensive play leave a lasting impact on the game. The Hawks look ahead to face Milwaukee, while the Spurs aim to bounce back against New Orleans.