Trae Young named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

Trae Young wanted to start the season off strong. He’s done that and more. October 26, 2019 Atlanta: Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Yound reacts to hitting a three pointer in the final minutes for a 103-99 victory over the Orlando Magic in the home opener in a NBA basketball game on Saturday, October 26, 2019, in Atlanta. Young scored 39 points in the game. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com (ccompton@ajc.com)

By Kevin Keneely

Trae Young has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the first week of the NBA season.

Young has helped the Atlanta Hawks get off to a perfect 2-0 start to the 2019-20 season, behind two historic performances. Young became the first player in NBA history to have 38+ points, 9+ assists and 7+ rebounds in each of his team's first two games.

Young's 38 points in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons were the most points scored by a hawks player in a season opener, since Dominique Wilkins' 39 against the New Jersey Nets in 1986.

Only three players in NBA history have had 77+ points, 15+ assists and 14+ rebounds through their team's first two regular season games. Those three players are Larry Bird (1987-88), Russell Westbrook (2016-17) and Young (2019-20).

Young’s 2019-20 stats (first two games)

  • 38.5 points
    • .726 TS%
  • 9.0 assists
  • 7.0 rebounds
  • 1.5 steals