Jalen Johnson is putting together something special in Atlanta - and now, he’s got a slice of NBA history to show for it.
On Friday night, the 24-year-old forward became the youngest at his position in league history to post three straight games with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. It’s a niche stat, sure, but it tells a bigger story: Johnson isn’t just putting up numbers - he’s doing it with rare consistency, impact, and versatility.
Let’s break down the run.
It started against Milwaukee, where Johnson dropped 28 points, pulled down 16 boards, and dished out 6 assists. That’s not just a good night - that’s a full workload against a team known for its physicality in the paint.
Next up: Memphis. Johnson turned it up another notch, going for 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. He was everywhere - crashing the glass, initiating offense, and finishing plays with authority.
Then came Friday’s win over Phoenix. Johnson didn’t slow down.
He posted 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists - just one dime shy of a triple-double. And perhaps most importantly, the Hawks came out with the win.
At 24 years and 37 days old, Johnson is showing the kind of maturity and all-around game you usually see from seasoned vets. But this isn’t a fluke stretch - it’s the culmination of steady development and a player stepping into a starring role.
Drafted 20th overall out of Duke in 2021, Johnson has steadily climbed the ladder in Atlanta. This season, he’s taken the leap.
He’s averaging 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting a strong 51.2% from the field. Those are numbers that demand attention - and respect.
What’s even more impressive is how Johnson responded when the Hawks needed him most. Early in the season, with Trae Young sidelined due to injury, Johnson took the reins.
He didn’t just hold the fort - he elevated the team. That stretch of strong play helped pave the way for Atlanta’s bold decision to trade Young to the Wizards.
Now, there’s no question whose team this is.
Johnson is doing more than filling a stat sheet - he’s leading, producing, and giving the Hawks a new identity. He’s the engine, the anchor, and the spark. And if this recent run is any indication, he's only just getting started.