Even if we're dealing with small samples, and though the Heat's defense is particularly ruthless, Atlanta has to know now that it needs another star-the kind who would stop opponents from trying anything so extreme against Young. In that span, Young is 20-of-57 from the field with as many assists, 24, as turnovers. That figure is down to 111.0 through the Hawks' first four postseason games. Atlanta put up 117.3 points per 100 possessions with Bogdanovic on the court and Young off. It's a level of defensive single-mindedness that only pays off if the target's teammates can't capitalize against a scheme that, even when well-executed, leaves vulnerable spots to attack.ĭuring the regular season, Bogdan Bogdanovic helped solve one of the Hawks' biggest problems by giving the team a dangerous offense in the minutes Young was on the bench. The Miami Heat are smothering Young, surrounding him with multiple bodies to force the ball out of his hands. If the Atlanta Hawks don't want to look at last year's conference finals run as the high point of the Trae Young era, they have to get their All-Star point guard some help.
