Malachi Flynn's stellar performance overshadowed his own. Jalen Johnson nevertheless finished a small evaluation point (50) from the transcended leader opposite (51). This shows the level of play displayed by the Hawks power forward.
He had just missed six games due to a sprained ankle. During his return to Chicago two days ago, he had, according to his coach, lacked rhythm (11 points on 4/12 on shots), leaving the Hawks bench for the first time since the first campaign matches.
This night, the 22-year-old showed no problems in terms of pace. Taking advantage of the generosity of the Pistons' interior defense, he started his evening well with two dunks, one in transition in a “trailer”, the other on an “alley-oop” sent by Dejounte Murray. The same Murray that Johnson will find in turn with a lobbed pass later in the match.
Very active in rebounding, he alternated perfectly between the finishing and creation phases. With on arrival, a match ” outstanding » for Quin Snyder. “ He lets the game come to him, many times he found the others. And when suddenly the match was decided, he did this 'pick-and-pop' where he sanctioned 3-points. He did a lot of good things, he took what the defense gave him », Judges the technician from Atlanta.
From progress to creation
The latter reminds that his player is capable of shooting, passing and carrying the ball. An array displayed throughout the evening ended with a first career triple-double: 28 points (10/14 on shots including 2/4 from distance), 14 rebounds, 11 assists and even 4 interceptions.
“ He does not determine in advance what he is going to do. There are so many little things he does that won't show. When someone plays like that, you really appreciate the fact that they are rewarded on the stat line, because they had a very, very impressive game », Qualifies his coach.
His passing total, a new career record, is undoubtedly the most striking element for the young player, very comfortable going up the leather, and finding his partners in transition.
Jalen Johnson was also able to find his teammates on a placed play, like his one-handed laser pass to reverse the game and serve De'Andre Hunter in the opposite corner.
“ He makes the right choice all the time, which is really impressive to me. You don't see that that often. You must first be able to do it, and you must want to do it. There were both tonight, he connects our team which he plays like this “, compliments Quin Snyder.
| Jalen Johnson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | ATL | 22 | 6 | 53.7 | 23.1 | 71.4 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 2.4 |
| 2022-23 | ATL | 70 | 15 | 49.1 | 28.8 | 62.8 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 5.6 |
| 2023-24 | ATL | 52 | 34 | 51.0 | 35.4 | 72.1 | 1.3 | 7.2 | 8.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 16.0 |
| Total | 144 | 20 | 50.5 | 32.7 | 68.9 | 0.8 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 8.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
