Jalen Johnson’s Big Night Lifts Hawks Over Grizzlies in Nail-Biter
In a game that felt like a tug-of-war from start to finish, Jalen Johnson came up huge when it mattered most. The 22-year-old forward poured in 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds-none more important than the late-game bucket that helped the Atlanta Hawks edge out the Memphis Grizzlies 124-122 on Wednesday night.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a much-needed sigh of relief for a Hawks team that had dropped four straight. And it came in the kind of game where every possession counted-21 lead changes, 14 ties, and not a single moment where either side could afford to blink.
Johnson’s Statement Performance
Johnson was everywhere. He attacked the glass, ran the floor, and delivered in crunch time.
His pair of free throws during a late 8-0 Hawks run gave Atlanta a cushion just when the game was teetering. And with the Grizzlies breathing down their necks-down just one with a minute to play-Johnson calmly drove into the paint and knocked down a tough shot with 40 seconds left.
That bucket was the difference.
It wasn’t just the numbers for Johnson. It was the timing.
The poise. The ability to step up when the Hawks needed a closer.
Supporting Cast Delivers
While Johnson led the charge, Atlanta got key contributions from Luke Kennard and Onyeka Okongwu, who each chipped in 18 points. Kennard, returning to Memphis where he spent three seasons, looked like he had something to prove.
He came out firing, hitting his first six shots-including four from deep-and dropped 16 points in the first half alone. That early burst gave Atlanta a 66-59 lead at the break and marked their 37th consecutive game with double-digit three-pointers.
Okongwu brought his usual energy and physicality, giving the Hawks a strong presence inside on both ends. His activity around the rim helped Atlanta weather Memphis’ interior attack, especially in the final stretch.
Morant Nearly Pulls Off the Comeback
On the other side, Ja Morant did what Ja Morant does-push the tempo, find his teammates, and keep the Grizzlies in it until the final horn. He finished with 23 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the Memphis offense with his usual flair. But his final act-a contested three at the buzzer-just missed the mark.
Jaylen Wells added 18 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cedric Coward each scored 17. Coward’s clutch three with just over a minute left brought Memphis within one, but they couldn’t find the go-ahead bucket.
A Game of Runs and Razor-Thin Margins
The box score tells the story of a game that never truly tilted in anyone’s favor. Through three quarters, there were 16 lead changes and 10 ties.
Memphis held a narrow 95-94 edge heading into the fourth, and the final frame was just as tight. Neither team led by more than six at any point in the quarter.
But when it came down to the final minutes, Atlanta made just enough plays. Johnson’s late-game heroics and a few key stops on defense were the difference.
What’s Next
The Hawks will look to build on this win when they host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. For the Grizzlies, it’s a quick turnaround as they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans in another tough Western Conference matchup.
If this game was any indication, both teams have the firepower to hang with anyone. But for Atlanta, this one was about resilience-and Jalen Johnson made sure they walked away with more than just a moral victory.