Meet the Hawks’ G League stars who just embarrassed the Trae Young-less Bulls

Atlanta The Hawks were without four of their key players against the Chicago Bulls, and they were still able to go on the road and win 110-94. Trae Young, Jaylen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter and Zachary Rizacher were ruled out hours before the game, and the Hawks needed reinforcements quickly if they wanted a full roster.

They then called up Keaton Wallace and Daekwon Plowden from their G-League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, to give them a boost. Both players had just played the night before, and Wallace hit the game-winner for the Skyhawks.

Whatever energy they had from that game, they definitely carried it over to the big leagues, and they were the biggest reason the Hawks left Chicago with a win. Wallace has played the Hawks a couple of times this season when injuries hit, and he’s had a solid game almost every time. This time he played his best game of the season, with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Wallace controlled the offense and hit several timely shots to keep the Hawks in the league.

He played his first NBA game for Plowden and it was a memorable debut. Plowden finished with 19 points off the bench and shot 5-for-6 from three. When the Bulls looked like they were creeping up, there was Plowden with a long 3-pointer to keep the Hawks in the league. During certain parts of this season, The Hawks found a boost in uncharted territoryand against the Bulls, two G-League stars led them to victory.

Keaton Wallace, Daekwo Plowden reel Hawks to victory

After the game, Daekwon Plowden talked about winningand how the G-League prepared him for this moment.

“I was ready to go in and do whatever it took to get the W,” Plowden said. “My teammates supported me in every shot I made and that I was in the right place at the right time on the court.

“It helps me really develop my role.” I appreciate that because playing in the G-League really prepared me for this moment.

The Hawks had several players come out of their G-League development and end up being instrumental in their roles on the team. Jaylen Johnson was one of them, and now he has become the future of the Hawks and is a big part of their success. It should feel good for the Hawks knowing they have some players they can call upon in the G-League and will give it their all.