ATLANTA -- Atlanta was in dire straits when Hawks star Trae Young was dismissed 45 minutes before Game 4 of Eastern Conference finals.However, just a few hours later, everything was completely different.The Hawks' stirring performance in a victory of 110-88 in Young's absence has put this best-of-7 affair in a completely different light. They also have to contend with uncertainty about the health and well-being of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar.When asked whether momentum had changed following Atlanta's win here at State Farm Arena, Kevin Huerter, Hawks guard, said that "Yeah... in a lot [of] ways... 2-2 is very different from 3-1." "We know that we will be playing at home again in front of our fans, and yes, definitely, 2-2 matches the position we were last series."[It's] still a long road to go, but it's better than being down 3-1."Nate McMillan, Hawks coach, said that Young's status is still up in the air for Game 5.McMillan stated, "I don’t know." McMillan said that the report was only tonight that he was out. He wasn't comfortable enough to apply pressure on his foot tonight. Tomorrow I will get a report and it will be game-time.The Hawks are in a much better place than anyone thought before Tuesday's game. They did this by adhering to McMillan’s game plan, namely that Young was not to be replaced.The Hawks took this strategy to heart. The Hawks' five starters scored four goals in the first three minutes, prompting the Bucks into a quick timeout. This set the tone for Atlanta that would continue throughout the game.Huerter explained, "It starts off, you begin the game, and everyone touches it." The ball moves from side to side. Everyone should find their own rhythm. People in transition, pulling up on the logo and offensively going one to one with Trae are not needed. This is not the game of anyone else on this team. We didn't need to have people who played like that."That message was very well received. As I mentioned, the game starts with all five players scoring before they call a timeout. This set the tone for the remainder of the game and was something we couldn't get away with.This was exactly what the Hawks needed. Young was able to be lifted up by the Hawks as he watched on the sideline wearing a hoodie. They put in a dominating performance that saw Atlanta win all three games.It didn't hurt to have Lou Williams, a veteran scorer, in Young's place. Williams, who is known for being remarkably even-keeled regardless of the circumstances, stated that he spoke with McMillan about Young's absence before the game."Honestly, I was at the training table. Nate came up and said, 'Trae will be out so I'm going start you.' Williams smiled and said, "I said OK, and then he walked away." That was the end of our conversation.It's not like the 'Remember the Titans’ thing that happens in the locker rooms. It doesn't, I swear. That was all. This was it. We were ready to start the game.Williams was ready for his first conference finals appearance in his 87 postseason games. His 21-point finish on 7-for-9 shooting was in 35 minutes. His steady, smooth presence gave the young Hawks team exactly what it needed without Young.Williams stated that it was not difficult to transition from the bench to the starting line-up. You just know that your minutes will increase and the length of the games will change. You just need to get ready for a basketball game."We have to be pros. It's cliché to say, but when one man falls, another must step in.Bogdan Bogdanovic's play was just as important as Williams’ contributions. He has been suffering from a knee problem since Atlanta's win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.Bogdanovic, who had struggled through the first three games in this series, scored 20 points on a total 7-for 28 shooting into Game 4. Bogdanovic had not looked like the player who had been so integral to Atlanta's midseason turnaround since being inserted into the starting backcourt alongside Young.Young was unable to play in Game 4. The previous Bogdanovic version returned. His 20 points included three 3-pointers that aided in a 15-0 run at the end of the third quarter, which saw Atlanta lead by 23 points.Bogdanovic stated, "I live for these moments man and I really appreciate each minute on the court." I know how hard it is to reach this level of basketball. It is difficult to reach the playoffs. It is difficult to reach the second round. It is difficult to reach the Finals. Everything is difficult at this stage. It's all mental. It's all mental. You have to overcome it. This is another level of experience. That's what I live for, man. I love every moment of it, and I know that I don't worry about the game as much. I just want to win."I am confident that my game will improve over time. We have so much talent, as long as we work together as a team.Bogdanovic's third quarter run was triggered shortly after Antetokounmpo had left the game with hyperextended left knee. Antetokounmpo's injury caused the Hawks to lead by 10, before they won the game.Despite this, it would be unfair to claim that Antetokounmpo's injury changed the game. It is not fair to compare the Hawks' performance from the jump.Atlanta quickly took a lead of 10-2 in the first three minutes of the game, and continued to build on that momentum. Atlanta outscored Milwaukee 46 to 44 in the paint in Game 4. This was after the Bucks were able to get to the rim repeatedly through the first three series games.McMillan stated that he thought the team's pressure was better. We have to make them uncomfortable. You can't allow players to get into a rhythm this time of year. I felt our pressure was better tonight. It's the first time we've ever played that kind of defense in this series and we are capable of it."I felt tonight that we had established our defense and that our offense was finding its rhythm."The final minutes of the game were a celebration in State Farm Arena, with Hawks leading by more than 20 points. At times, the crowd was singing "Hawks six!" The mood was dimmed after Clint Capela, starting center, was accidentally hit in the face with an elbow by Sam Merrill, Bucks reserve guard. Both were chasing a loose ball.Capela stayed on the court for a while before being taken to the locker room. He was wearing a towel over the right eye. Capela was then examined by the team's eye doctor, and will have a follow up examination on Wednesday.ESPN reported that sources told them there was optimism about Capela's status in Game 5 and that he is expected to avoid any significant injury.
