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Reading: Trae Young: “Hawks Would’ve Won 2021 Title If I Didn’t Get Hurt”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Trae Young: “Hawks Would’ve Won 2021 Title If I Didn’t Get Hurt”

Trae Young: “Hawks Would’ve Won 2021 Title If I Didn’t Get Hurt”

Trae Young reflects on a missed opportunity, convinced the Hawks could have secured a championship in 2021 if not for his injury setback.

Vishwesha Kumar
Dec 13, 2023
6 Min Read
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Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Trae Young, the dynamic point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, believes that the team could have clinched the 2021 NBA title if he hadn’t suffered an untimely injury during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks had embarked on a remarkable playoff journey, toppling higher-seeded teams and creating a Cinderella story.

“I ain’t going to lie, we definitely would have won our first ‘chip.  I don’t even want to talk about it, because it’s so hard to get back to that moment. You just fight that feeling that you had your chance.”

“Getting hurt was not the best feeling because I definitely felt like we had a chance and we were on a run and we were feeling good.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C0xIWx7yEYn

Reflecting on the series, Young expressed his conviction that the Hawks would have secured their first championship if not for his injury. In a recent interview, he shared the frustration of missing out on a golden opportunity and the difficulty of replicating that moment. Young acknowledged the feeling of having a chance slip away due to his untimely setback, emphasizing the team’s momentum and positive vibe before the injury occurred.

The Hawks, led by Young, had stolen Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks with a stunning upset. Young’s incredible performance, scoring 48 points with 11 assists and seven rebounds, showcased the team’s determination to contend for the championship.

However, in Game 3, Young suffered an ankle injury after inadvertently stepping on a referee’s foot. This injury significantly impacted the series, ultimately leading to the Hawks losing in six games. Without their star player operating at full capacity, the Hawks faced challenges against the Bucks, who went on to win the NBA title that year.

While Young’s assertion that the Hawks would have secured the championship is bold, it reflects his confidence in the team’s capabilities and the positive trajectory they were on before the injury. The disappointment of missing that opportunity fuels Young’s determination to bring a championship to Atlanta in the future.

As the Hawks continue to strive for success in subsequent seasons, Young remains focused on achieving his goal of delivering Atlanta its first NBA championship. Whether or not they can replicate the 2021 playoff magic remains to be seen, but Young’s belief in the team’s potential is unwavering.


The Hawks Would Have Had A Tough Time Beating The Phoneix Suns

If the Atlanta Hawks had managed to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, they would have faced a formidable challenge in the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. The Suns, led by the veteran Chris Paul and emerging star Devin Booker, were operating at an exceptional level of cohesion and skill during that season.

The Suns’ success wasn’t just about individual performances; their entire team was locked in, playing with a synergy that made them a formidable opponent. Chris Paul’s leadership on the court and Devin Booker’s scoring prowess were key components of the Suns’ success. Additionally, the home crowd and the coaching staff, particularly under the guidance of Monty Williams, provided a supportive environment that fueled the team’s performance.

Facing the Suns in the NBA Finals would have meant dealing with a well-coached, motivated, and talented team. The Suns’ dynamic duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker posed a significant challenge for any opponent. The team’s ability to execute both offensively and defensively made them a force to be reckoned with.

While the Hawks had shown resilience and potential in their playoff run, competing against the Suns would have required another level of performance. The Suns’ run to the NBA Finals was marked by consistency and high-level play, making them a tough opponent for any team.

Considering the tough battle the Bucks had against the Suns in the actual NBA Finals, with the series extending to six games, it highlights the level of competition that the Suns brought to the table. Therefore, the Hawks, even if they had advanced past the Bucks, would have faced a daunting task in trying to overcome the well-balanced and skilled Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals.

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TAGGED:Atlanta Hawks ArchiveChris PaulDevin BookerMilwaukee Bucks ArchivePhoenix Suns ArchiveTrae Young
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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