Atlanta Hawks

You don’t lead the NBA in assists for two consecutive seasons without knowing how to make every pass in the book. Muscling up to play tight defense, Trae Young reads his opponent’s spin move, punching the ball out to create a transition opportunity. Recognizing the creative possibilities at play, the All-Star guard hoists up a no-look alley-oop to the highflying Jalen Johnson, who adjusts in mid-air for an awe-inspiring one-handed slam. Bolstered by Young’s 40-point, 13-assist night, Johnson’s 24-point performance, and a 32-point outing from Dejounte Murray, the Hawks closed the year on a hot note, edging the Washington Wizards for a shootout win on December 31, 2023.