Trae Young's scoring surge sends Hawks past Timberwolves

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After leading Atlanta to back-to-back wins for the first time in almost two months, Trae Young wasn't ready to say the Hawks have regained last season's winning formula.

It's far too early to talk about a return to the Eastern Conference finals for the Hawks, who are still only 12th in the conference and on the outside of the playoff standings.

Young scored 23 of his 37 points in the third quarter, sparking Atlanta's comeback, and the Hawks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 134-122 on Wednesday night.

"I think we’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and take it one game at a time and not look too far ahead," Young said, adding the Hawks' focus should be to "try to climb back into this thing."

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

Led by Young, who had 14 assists, the Hawks opened the second half with a 20-2 run after the Timberwolves led 73-61 at halftime.

"That’s the way you hope your team responds to a challenge," said Hawks coach Nate McMillan.

Minnesota’s biggest lead was 16 points in the first quarter.

De'Andre Hunter had 22 points for Atlanta. D’Angelo Russell led Minnesota with 31 points.

Minnesota's Anthony Edwards drew two technical fouls and was ejected with 5:57 remaining in the third quarter. Edwards thought he had been fouled on a drive to the basket and continued to argue his case following his first technical.

The loss of Edwards, who had 20 points, left Minnesota without two