The day started off very rough for much of the sports world today but the Atlanta Hawks found a way to bring joy to a tough situation.
Earlier this morning, news broke of the death of NBA/ Los Angles Lakers great Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash in California. With heavy hearts and minds, the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards squared off here at State Farm Arena and it was a great show for the home team.
The Hawks and Wizards both started the game off by showing respect to the life of Kobe Bryant. Atlanta Hawks all-star Trae Young hit the floor wearing #8 in honor of Kobe. The Hawks started the game by taking a 8 second violation. The Wizards followed that by taking a 24 second violation. After that, the game was underway.
In the first quarter, the Wizards had a slight hold on the game taking a (36-31) lead into the second quarter. From there on, the Hawks seemed to wake up and put their feet on the gas.
The Hawks had an explosive second quarter dropping 47 points in the quarter. I was the most points the Hawks scored in a quarter since 1997. The Hawks took a (78-72) led into the half and wrapped in up in the second half.
Trae Young was big tonight and I must say I believe it was due to the energy surrounding Kobe’s death. Trae Young had a great relationship with Kobe and tonight Trae seemed to take it personal that he wanted to win.
Trae Young finished the night with 45 points on (13-24) shooting with 24 assist. Trae Young also the first player to have a 45-point double-double with under 25 field goal attempts against the Washington Wizards, since Kobe Bryant on December 17, 2006.
Once again, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards tonight (152-133). Follow @eldorado2452 on Twitter and Instagram for all your Atlanta Hawks, NBA and sports news.
