Hawks Build Strong Defensive Identity Without Trae Young

  • By Tim Ogles

    Last Updated on November 10, 2025 11:21 am by Mikey K | Published: November 10, 2025

    The Atlanta Hawks have shown impressive growth on the defensive end since Trae Young went down with a right sprained MCL on Oct. 29. While losing the All-Star guard initially appeared troubling for Atlanta’s offensive rhythm, it instead sparked a renewed focus on defense. The team tightened its rotations, increased ball pressure, and found a collective identity centered around effort and accountability. Key contributors such as Dyson Daniels, Mouhamed Gueye, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have driven this transformation.

    The defensive improvement is evident statistically. Atlanta’s defensive rating this season sits at 119.0 points allowed per 100 possessions with Young on the floor. Without him, that number drops to 110.6 – a dramatic 8.4-point improvement. The Hawks currently rank 10th in the league in defensive rating. Without Young, that stat improves to fourth. This shift underscores the team’s growing commitment to defense in his absence. During this same stretch, the Hawks have held opponents to 44.2% shooting from the field, down from 48.7% just a week prior. They are forcing 15.3 turnovers per game in their best defensive stretch of the season.

    Daniels anchors this defensive resurgence. The 21-year-old guard has shown why Atlanta targeted him for his defensive instincts and versatility. Daniels currently leads the team with 2.1 steals per game and ranks among the league leaders in total deflections. His ability to hound opposing ball handlers and create transition opportunities has been crucial to Atlanta’s recent success. In the past three games, opponents guarded by Daniels shot just 37% from the floor, highlighting his stifling perimeter defense.

    Gueye provides a spark in the paint, giving Atlanta an interior presence that was often missing earlier in the season. Over the past week, Gueye averaged 1.7 blocks and 7.4 rebounds per game, while holding opponents to 48% shooting at the rim. His length and energy helped the Hawks limit second-chance points – a weakness plaguing Atlanta throughout the first 10 games. Atlanta’s defensive rebound percentage jumps to 74% with Gueye on the floor, showing how his presence stabilizes the frontcourt.

    Alexander-Walker adds consistency and communication on the perimeter. He averages 1.3 steals and frequently guards multiple positions. The former Minnesota Timberwolves guard has become a key rotational defender and downhill driver in head coach Quin Snyder’s system. During Young’s absence, Alexander-Walker carries a defensive rating of 108.9 – the best among Atlanta’s rotational guards. His ability to switch onto bigger wings and contest shots allows the Hawks to play a more aggressive style of team defense.

    The collective result is a Hawks squad looking far more connected and disciplined on defense. The rotations are sharper, communication is constant, and players are showing greater trust in each other’s assignments. The emphasis on defense has not only stabilized the team during Young’s recovery but has also revealed a formula for sustained success.

    If the Hawks continue to defend at this level, they can emerge from this stretch without Young as a more complete and balanced team. One defined by its defensive grit as much as its offensive flair.

     

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    November 10, 2025, 11:21 am