Trae Young leads Hawks past Knicks in Game 5 to advance to second round

The Atlanta Hawks completed a gentleman’s sweep against the New York Knicks on Wednesday and have secured a place in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The Hawks wrapped up the first round by winning three straight games, and Trae Young’s scoring and playmaking were instrumental in his team’s 103-89 triumph.

Young wasn't efficient from the field on Wednesday but did tally game highs in points (29) and assists (29). He shot just 10-for-28 from the field and 3-for-11 from three, but his 11-for-13 performance from the free throw line helped him tally a game-high DKFP. Most of Atlanta’s other players had modest performances, but Clint Capela chipped in with 14 points and 15 rebounds to finish with 40.25 DKFP.

Julius Randle’s shooting struggles persisted in New York’s final playoff game of the year. He led the Knicks in points (23), rebounds (13), and DKFP (42.75), but shot just 38% from the field. He was trailed by RJ Barrett, who posted 35.75 DKFP on 17 points and 7 rebounds. Derrick Rose appeared to be burned out after being run into the ground for the first four games of the series and scored 6 points on 3-of-11 shooting.

The Hawks easily covered the spread as 1.5-point underdogs but will face a much tougher test in the second round. Atlanta will face off against the Philadelphia 76ers next.