When Nickeil Alexander-Walker slotted into the starting lineup after Trae Young’s MCL sprain, expectations were not that high – certainly not on offense. Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels create a formidable front line of defense, but the loss of Young’s offensive impact was expected to outweigh any defensive gains.
Through eight games without Young, however, the new starting five has been one of the better lineups in the league. Of the thirty five-man lineup combinations that have played over 100 minutes together, the Hawks’ starters rank seventh in net rating, only below rosters from the Thunder, Timberwolves, Warriors, Magic, Suns, and Jazz.