The Atlanta Hawks have had an up-and-down ride so far in the 2021-22 NBA season, much like they started off with during the  2020-21 season. One thing that has been consistent–for the most part–has been Trae Young's ability as a scorer and as a passer. On Friday night, Young showcased those two attributes in a huge way by surpassing Michael Jordan and tying Kevin Johnson and Damian Lillard for the 12th-most games (39) with 30+ points and 10+ assists, in NBA history, according to Kevin Keneely on Twitter.

Every point and assist was needed in this one, as the Hawks were able to take out the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers (20-16) by a score of 121-118 Friday night on the road. This is despite the Hawks being one of the most undermanned teams in the NBA due to COVID-19 protocols. They still have 12 players on the COVID list and two more out with non-COVID-related sicknesses.

So far for the year, Young is averaging 27.3 points (4th in the NBA,) 9.3 assists (3rd in the NBA) while shooting almost 37 percent from beyond the arc, a career-high. The Hawks will need him to keep those numbers up until they can at least get back to fielding a respectable team.

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They do have a little bit of time to get healthy, however, as their next game will be at the Portland Trailblazers(13-21) and is not until Monday, January third, giving Atlanta two full days off with no games. The game against Portland should be interesting because Damian Lillard was one of the players who Young tied with today's milestone. So, with both players trying for a 30 and 10 game, and the one who gets it will move into 11th place, makes this next Hawks-Blazers game, must-see T.V.