Trae Young played his first game in Atlanta as a visiting player on Friday night, but his Washington Wizards were beaten 139-132 by the Hawks, the franchise he starred for before his trade in January.
According to ESPN, Young finished with 23 points and 10 assists. He also committed eight turnovers, his highest total of the season. The result completed a two-game sweep for Atlanta in a home-and-home series between the sides this week, after the Hawks also won on Wednesday in Washington.
Young, who was announced last in the Wizards' starting line-up, spent a moment alone in a corner of the court before tip-off. He then went over to Hawks coach Quin Snyder to hug him. Young explained that he had not managed to speak to Snyder during the game in Washington and wanted to greet him, citing the close bond he shares with his former coach.
The crowd's reaction was largely subdued, with only scattered cheers when Young's name was called. Afterwards he admitted the occasion was hard to put into words. "I don't even know how to describe the feeling," he said, adding that it had been a different experience.
Young spent more than seven seasons with Atlanta, earning four All-Star selections. He holds the franchise records for assists and 3-pointers. The Hawks sent him to Washington in exchange for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum.
He had been back in Atlanta once before following the trade but could not play because of a knee injury. On that occasion he watched from the bench as the Hawks showed a tribute video during a second-quarter timeout, and he responded to the applause by forming a heart shape with his hands.
Young came into Friday's contest as the NBA's leading passer, averaging 9.3 assists per game. Before the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe commended his unselfish approach, saying Young had fully committed to the group and was working to improve his team-mates.