ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks experienced an overwhelming sense of nostalgia Friday night when former franchise star Trae Young committed his eighth turnover against them, briefly making everyone forget he now plays for the Washington Wizards.
“It's like he never left,” said one entirely fictional Hawks official. “Except now we get the ball.”
Young returned to Atlanta for his first game there as an opposing player, finishing with 23 points, 10 assists, and a season-high eight turnovers in Washington's 139–132 defeat.
For Hawks fans, it was an emotional evening filled with memories of Young's seven-plus seasons in Atlanta: the deep three-pointers, the spectacular passes, and the occasional basketball delivered directly to somebody wearing the wrong jersey.
The first few turnovers brought back fond memories.
By the sixth, several longtime supporters were reportedly standing.
The eighth received what witnesses described as a deeply personal round of imaginary applause.
Atlanta's fictional tribute committee had originally planned to honor Young's franchise records, but ultimately decided the most authentic celebration would be allowing him to personally distribute eight commemorative basketballs to the home team.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 28 points as the Hawks completed a two-game sweep of Washington, proving they could still benefit from Young's contributions without having to pay his salary.
The Wizards, meanwhile, insisted Young's performance demonstrated his continued importance as a playmaker.
Atlanta agreed.
After all, eight of his passes had been particularly helpful.
At press time, Hawks officials were reportedly considering retiring the number eight in recognition of everything Young had given them Friday night.
