Trae Young had a heartfelt message to the Atlanta Dream after they were stunned by the Indiana Fever in the first round of the playoffs.
The Dream went down 87-85 in a close Game 3 despite four of their starters pulling off double figures. Their must-win contest was foiled by Fever star Kelsey Mitchell’s game-high 24 points.
How Did Trae Young Show Support for the Dream After Devastating Loss?
Taking to X after the Dream’s loss, Young shared a disappointed but heartfelt note to the team. “Ughhh😓 I know this was a tough way to lose but We gonna bounce back!! @AtlantaDream,” the guard tweeted.
Ughhh😓 I know this was a tough way to lose but We gonna bounce back!! @AtlantaDream
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) September 19, 2025
The Dream were led by Allisha Gray (19 points and 12 rebounds) and Jordin Canada (18 points and 10 assists). However, the pair’s double-double efforts went in vain as Brionna Jones’ buzzer-beater failed to swish through.
Despite their gut-wrenching exit, the Dream were one of the more impressive teams in the regular season. Their players had good runs with Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones seeing improved years. Gray was a force for the team throughout the regular season and continued well in the postseason.
It’s worth noting that the Dream is perhaps one superstar away from becoming a bona fide title contender. As they officially enter the offseason, the team’s front office will consider adding a marquee star to bolster their chances. Multiple reports link Angel Reese as one of the major names for the Dream, though much of this is pure speculation for now.
Young knows the playoff heartbreak better than anyone else. He led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but they were handed a tough exit by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Hawks’ Off-Season Additions Might Unleash Young’s True Potential
On the upcoming NBA 2025-26 season front, Young has some solid two-way presence in the team in Kristaps Porziņģis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
His playmaking alongside Alexander-Walker, coupled with the center’s dependable play on both ends of the floor, makes the Hawks potential playoff contenders. Earlier, Bleacher Report’s Mo Dakil explained how the duo’s partnership helps the guard.
“The addition of Porzingis could be just what Young needs to get back to his normal shooting numbers,” the analyst said. “He has never played with a pick-and-pop big man who can punish switches and will command a double team. This should create more open looks for Young.”
The Hawks failed to make the playoffs for two seasons in a row and suffered first-round exits in 2022 and 2023. Now, the bold moves this summer place high expectations on Young and the new-look Atlanta outfit. It remains to be seen if Young can help lead the side to another impressive run like 2021.
