Trae Young Revenge Game: Make Atlanta Choose

Trae Young’s first game against the Hawks since the trade gives Wizards fans a reason to watch the very first high ball screen. Where does Atlanta put its second defender?

Young enters the game averaging 10.0 assists. In Monday’s win at Orlando, he finished with 15 points and nine assists. NBA player profile and game log. The value of his passing shows up in the shot Washington gets after a defense commits to him.

IF ATLANTA SENDS TWO

Watch the screener’s route. When Anthony Davis slips into the middle, Young has a short outlet. If the weak-side defender steps up to Davis, the corner opens. If that defender stays home, Davis has room to finish or find a cutter. The pass after Young’s pass may decide the possession.

This is where AJ Dybantsa and Kyshawn George can influence the game before they touch the ball. A well-timed cut makes the low defender turn his head. A shooter who keeps his spacing gives the receiver a clear passing window. More on Dybantsa’s role.

IF ATLANTA STAYS HOME

Young can use the screen, get into the lane and make the big decide whether to step up. Watch for the moment the big leaves his feet or takes a step toward Young. That is when the pocket pass or lob becomes available. If the big stays deep and the trailing defender is behind the play, Young can take the space himself.

WHAT TO TRACK

Pick three possessions in each half. Ask where the second defender started, who received the release pass and whether the possession ended in a clean look. Those answers can tell you how much control Young had even if the first shot misses.

Tipoff is 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. Full Hawks at Wizards preview.

Research your next Wizards parlay or check Young’s recent assists and minutes in the WizKids Stats Lab.