(Atlanta GA) - After scoring 50 and leading the Hawks to a late victory over the Heat, Trae Young had fans geeked up to see what he'd do against Luka Doncic. But Dallas had other plans for the 20 year old star who is suffering from a sprained ankle. He was on the bench in a nice suit resting. Maybe next time NBA fans. Fellow European star Kristaps Porziņģis was also on the bench still recovering from knee surgery.

Having two of their biggest stars out didn't slow the Mavericks down though. They jumped out on the Hawks early and went into the 1st qtr with a 14 point lead 35-21. Trae young got off to a slow start and midway through the 2nd qtr he still had just 6pts. John Collins, however, was poised and on track to head into the half with a double double. With 5:45 left, he had 19pts and 7 of Atlanta's 18 rebounds; but he would only add two more boards and one bucket to that after two qtrs. But, yes..a double double was still on the menu.

Collins led all scorers at the half with 21pts while Tim Hardaway Jr. had 20 to give Dallas an 8 pt lead 66-58. They were ahead by 16 at one point, but you know this Hawks team never goes down quietly.

Start of the second half, John Collins drew the ooohs and ahhhhs when he caught an alley oop from Trae Young for his 23rd pt. Collins took advantage of the mismatch all night. And yes, we know Collins loves the glass. But a lack of defense would prove to be costly for Atlanta who suddenly found themselves down by 13 again.

Jumping right on into the 4th, Atlanta was shooting less than 40% from the floor when Cam Reddish brought the oohs and ahhhs with a cam jam and all of a sudden a spark was lit. With 9:15 to play, Bruno Fernando fought hard in the paint and was fouled by Maxi Kleber sending him to the line. In front of an almost sold-out crowd, the Hawks started to make a move.

A couple of plays later Dewayne Dedmon added to his highlight reel keeping the fans on their feet and the Dallas Mavericks were starting to get rattled. Dedmon added an emotional push that helped Atlanta reset. Coach Pierce says he's annoying lol but it's that kind of energy that keeps him in the game.

You could see the W slipping away from the Mavericks after a bad pass got away from Delon Wright and the Hawks capitalized on the turnover getting within 4 with Trae connecting once again with John for the alley oop layup. Another turnover by Wright would end with John Collins saying hello to the rim once more putting Atlanta within 2. 92-90. Dallas was crumbling and the Hawks were rallying. One more bad out of bounds pass increased Dallas' struggles resulting with Trae Young driving for the layup and tying it up. 92-92.

As the turnovers kept coming for Dallas, 16 at this point...the Hawks finally took the lead with 5:24 left. 96-95. And Trae Young started to come alive. He hit three back-to-back threes from the beltline helping Atlanta stay ahead 105-104 with 1:23 left. That boy can shoot and the crowd finished the game on its feet because of him.

111-107 Hawks win and on the way out someone said, "They could still make it to the playoffs." Yes, they absolutely could. There's a lot of talent on this young Atlanta team and you know it's something out of this world when Trae young finishes with a double double (25pts and 10 assists )and the group consensus is...he had a bad night.

John Collins led all scorers with 35pts, 17pts and 2 blocks and the Playoffs could be within reach, if they want it!