Despite losing in the first round in the 2023 NBA Postseason, the Atlanta Hawks seemingly had many reasons for optimism due to the way they played against the Boston Celtics, taking the reigning Eastern Conference Champions to six games when most analysts predicted a sweep.
For instance, the fanbase’s growing frustration with enigmatic point guard Trae Young was quieted after the two-time All-Star’s mostly stellar performance, including a fourth-quarter takeover and game-winning three-pointer in Game 5 in Boston. The vaguely sourced and, at times made up trade rumors surrounding Young were mostly put to bed after his showing against Boston.