Jaylen Johnson’s insane first half puts him in very rare company
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been on a mission in his comeback campaign after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Johnson was limited to just 36 games last season, hampering what should have been an All-Star. He was averaging career averages — 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks — when he was kicked out.
This season, he has done his best to reclaim his place among the league’s rising talents. He led the Hawks past the Utah Jazz132-122, Thursday at the Delta Center, finished with a triple-double of 31 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists with seven steals.
He set the tone early for Atlanta, having achieved a personal feat in the first half.
“Per Stathead, he is just the second player in the play-by-play era to finish a half with at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals, and the first since Doug Christie (4/2/97),” the Hawks wrote on X.
Atlanta won its fourth straight game despite its injury-riddled roster. Johnson was a key part of their winning streak, serving as a team the main offensive weapon in Tree Young’s absencewhich treats an MCL sprain.
The Hawks also played without Kristaps Porzingis against the Jazz as he was rested.
The 23-year-old Johnson is in his fifth year and looks a lot like an All-Star. He proved the Hawks made the right decision when they re-signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract.
Sky is the limit for Johnson, and the NBA should take notice.
2025-11-14 04:52:00
