Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young Misses Denver Nuggets Game With Illness

The Atlanta Hawks made their young star a surprise scratch Saturday evening ahead of their matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Mere hours before the game, coach Nate McMillan informed reporters Trae Young would sit with an illness.

Nate McMillan said Trae Young (non-COVID illness) is out tonight against the Nuggets.
— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) February 5, 2023

In Young's absence, the Nuggets thoroughly dominated the Hawks, taking a 70-52 lead at the half before eventually sealing a 128-108 win. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks in scoring with 28 points on 10 of 21 field goal attempts.

Despite his famously slight build (6-1, 164lb), Young has been mostly durable for the Hawks this season, starting 47 of a possible 54 games. Unfortunately, it hasn't resulted in a particularly solid year for the two-time All Star: his true shooting percentage has fallen to .567 this season, his worst mark since his rookie year. His lack of efficiency has doomed the Hawks to mediocrity this season; their 27-26 record entering tonight's game ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Given Young was listed as questionable entering tonight's game with this illness, chances are he'll be ready to go in the near future. The Hawks visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.