With Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis both sidelined, the spotlight fell directly on Jalen Johnson for the Atlanta Hawks’ Thursday matchup against the Utah Jazz. Johnson didn’t just handle the pressure. He delivered one of the most unique performances in NBA history.
According to StatMuse, Johnson put up a stat line that has never been recorded before. He finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, 7 steals and made 4 of his 5 three point attempts. His rebounds, assists and steals were all career highs, and he set them all in the same game.
Atlanta needed every bit of it. The Hawks ended up winning 132 to 122, a strong road victory for a team missing two stars. The win moved them to 8 and 5 on the season.
Johnson has been improving steadily throughout his career, but this night was something entirely new. He showed every part of his skill set at a level he had not reached before. His passing and his defense were especially impressive, and he delivered both right when the Hawks needed someone to step up.
This game proved that if Johnson has to be the main option, he can take on that responsibility and carry the team. On a night when Atlanta needed a spark, Johnson delivered a performance that will be remembered for a long time.