Jalen Johnson picked a perfect time to go nuclear.
The 22-year-old forward delivered a career night, pouring in 41 points and grabbing 14 rebounds - and it was his back-to-back daggers from deep in double overtime that finally broke open a wild one in Atlanta. The Hawks outlasted the Philadelphia 76ers 142-134 in a double-OT thriller, spoiling the long-awaited return of Joel Embiid.
Johnson’s third triple of the night snapped a 134-all tie. He followed it up with another on the very next possession, and just like that, the Hawks had breathing room they wouldn’t give back. It was a superstar-level performance from a player who’s been steadily climbing in confidence and production this season - and on Sunday night, he looked every bit like the guy Atlanta can build around.
But this one was far from a solo act.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 34 points and eight boards, and he made the two biggest free throws of the night - calmly sinking both with 1.1 seconds left in the first overtime to knot things at 126 and force a second OT. The Hawks have now won four of their last five, and this was easily the most dramatic of the bunch.
For the Sixers, the night started with excitement and ended in frustration.
Joel Embiid was back on the floor for the first time in three weeks, logging 30 minutes and finishing with 18 points. It was his first game action since Nov. 8 against Toronto, after missing nine straight due to right knee soreness - a different issue than the left knee that required surgery back in April. The reigning MVP showed flashes of his usual dominance, but understandably looked like a player still working back into rhythm.
The real engine for Philly on this night was Tyrese Maxey, who continues to look like a star in his own right. He dropped 44 points, including a pair of clutch buckets - one to force overtime, and another that gave the Sixers a late lead in the first extra period.
But he’ll be thinking about two missed free throws that could’ve sealed it. Maxey, an 88% shooter at the line, had a chance to put Philly up four with just seconds left in OT.
Instead, both shots rimmed out, and the door stayed open for Atlanta.
Paul George, finally healthy and on the floor with Embiid and Maxey for the first time all season, chipped in 16 points. Quentin Grimes added 28 off the bench in a strong showing for Philly’s second unit.
The Hawks, meanwhile, flipped the game in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run that turned a deficit into a seven-point lead. But Maxey wouldn’t let the Sixers go quietly, leading a furious rally that pushed the game into extra time - and eventually, double OT.
In the end, it came down to shot-making, and Jalen Johnson had the final word.
Up Next:
- Hawks: Travel to Detroit for a Monday night matchup with the Pistons.
- 76ers: Return home to host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.