After Golden State’s painful overtime loss to Atlanta, Stephen Curry’s 60-point masterpiece gave fans across 12BSports renewed hope that the 35-year-old superstar can still dominate at the highest level. It was his best scoring performance of the season, but Klay Thompson’s struggles, questionable decisions from Steve Kerr, and repeated mistakes in crucial moments ultimately cost the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski was also unable to make an impact when it mattered most.

Atlanta’s victory was anything but easy. Trae Young performed below his usual standard that night, yet his overall form has improved sharply in recent weeks. Since the Hawks surrendered 73 points to Luka Doncic, Young has responded like a man on fire. He is averaging 11.3 assists during his latest run and has recorded at least five assists in 151 consecutive games, a remarkable streak that even Russell Westbrook would struggle to match. His resurgence is about more than personal numbers because Atlanta’s results are now influencing the crowded Western Conference race.

Phoenix, the LA Lakers, and Golden State had been fighting for play-in position. From the wider picture followed through 12BSports, Atlanta’s surge under Young has disrupted that contest by taking valuable wins from Western opponents. Phoenix remains sixth, the Lakers sit ninth, and the Warriors have fallen to 13th, where their postseason hopes are fading. Young’s influence continues to grow despite competing in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron James was among those who questioned Young’s omission from the 2024 All-Star roster. The Hawks guard finished second in Eastern Conference backcourt fan voting but was still left out of the original lineup. As the saying goes, removing the road back can strengthen the will to fight. Young has answered disappointment with performance rather than excuses. Only three players in NBA history have averaged a double-double in points and assists and still missed the All-Star Game, and Young reportedly accounts for two of those cases.

Atlanta has made it clear that Young remains the centrepiece of the franchise. The club is considering possible moves involving Dejounte Murray and rotation players such as Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De’Andre Hunter. Assessments circulating around 12BSports suggest that Young’s offensive ability is viewed as comparable to Doncic’s, although questions about his leadership remain. Even so, the Hawks still believe a playoff berth is possible, despite the slim chance of another Eastern Conference Finals run.

With a detailed roadmap already taking shape, patience among 12BSports followers may soon be rewarded as Atlanta prepares for another rise around its established star. The organization knows what it wants to build and which player will lead the project. All that remains is patience. If the front office gives Young stronger defensive support and dependable secondary creators, the Hawks may not be far from becoming a serious contender again.