Trae Young Returns to Atlanta Hawks’ Lineup After 22-Game Absence
Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ All-Star point guard, made his highly anticipated return to the lineup on Thursday, December 18, 2025, after missing 22 games due to a sprained right MCL. The Hawks faced off against the Charlotte Hornets, ultimately suffering a 133-126 loss. Despite the team’s defeat, Young’s return is a significant boost to the Hawks, who have been dealing with numerous injuries over the past month.
Young’s injury occurred on October 29, 2025, during a win against the Brooklyn Nets. Since then, the Hawks have gone 13-9 without their star player. With Young back in the lineup, the team is expected to improve their performance, given his impressive averages of 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game this season. As the reigning NBA assists champion, Young’s return is a welcome addition to the Hawks’ roster.
Young’s Road to Recovery
Young was upgraded to probable after participating fully in practice on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. This marked his second practice since scrimmaging with the Skyhawks, Atlanta’s G League affiliate, on Tuesday. When asked about his recovery, Young stated, “It’s my knee, something that had to take a little more time than some other injuries… I feel good. [Conditioning is] going to get better as you play. They wouldn’t even allow me to come back or even be close to coming back if my conditioning wasn’t right or close to it.”
During his time off, Young had the opportunity to observe his team’s performance and identify areas where he can contribute to their success. He expressed his desire to “be another piece to the puzzle and try to fit in,” acknowledging that he is not the sole component of the team’s success. Young’s humble approach and willingness to adapt will likely benefit the Hawks as they move forward.
The Hawks currently hold a 15-13 overall record, despite struggling with injuries over the past month. With Young’s return, the team is poised to improve their performance and make a stronger push in the league. As Young settles back into the lineup, fans can expect to see the Hawks’ offense and defense become more cohesive, with their star point guard at the helm.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Young’s return impacts the Hawks’ overall performance. With his exceptional skills and dedication to the team, Young is likely to play a significant role in the Hawks’ success. For now, fans can rejoice in the fact that their star player is back on the court, ready to lead the team to victory.
