Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young was cleared from the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols on Monday and returned to the starting lineup as host Atlanta lost 130-118 to the Chicago Bulls.
Young, who entered the game leading the Hawks in scoring (27.3 points per game) and assists (9.3 per game), had 29 points, 9 assists, 1 rebound and 2 turnovers in 40 minutes in his return.
Young had missed three games while in the league’s health and safety protocols after a positive COVID-19 test. Atlanta was 1-2 without him. He returned two negative tests to be eligible to return.
The Hawks’ roster has been depleted by COVID-19 issues. Atlanta still had 10 players listed out for virus reasons for Monday’s game against the Bulls.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Associated Press contributed to this report.