Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has had a breakout season so far. The 24-year-old is nearly averaging a triple-double and making a strong case for the all-star team this season.
On December 18, which so happens to be Johnson’s birthday, he put together a dominating performance in a loss against the Charlotte Hornets. Johnson finished with 43 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.
He became just the second player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on their special day, joining LeBron James in that exclusive club, per Hawks PR on X, formerly Twitter.
Jalen Johnson’s Breakout Season for the Hawks
Johnson currently leads his team in points and rebounds per game. Through 26 games, he’s averaging 23.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
In his fifth season, Johnson has shown how versatile his game is and that he can dominate at any point during a game. While his teammate and Hawks star Trae Young missed significant time due to an injury, Johnson stepped up and answered the call for his team.
Last year, Johnson’s season was cut short when he suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder during a game. He only appeared in 36 games and averaged 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Before the injury, Johnson was playing a significant role for Atlanta.
If Johnson can remain healthy throughout the year and continue to play like he has been, he can finish the season averaging a triple-double. He could also make his first all-star appearance as well, something that is well attainable for the forward.
Johnson is in the top five in triple-doubles with a total of six throughout the 26 games he’s played in. He had a stretch where he recorded four consecutive triple-doubles as the Hawks went 2-2 during that stretch.
Jalen Johnson Is ‘a Star’
Trae Young did not hold back when he was talking about Johnson. Young has had a front row seat in watching his teammate go out and have one of the best seasons of his career. In Young’s “From the Point” podcast, he talked about Johnson’s play.
“What you’re seeing from him now is just the tip of the iceberg.”
“That boy is a star… he has even more room for growth. What you’re seeing from him now is just the tip of the iceberg. Obviously, he’s been carrying us throughout this run and putting up crazy numbers and playing super efficient,” said Young, per Zach Langley on X.
Johnson has put the league on notice and his teammates are vouching for him.
Jalen Johnson Makes History on His Birthday
Johnson did all he could in the Hawks’ 133-126 lost to the Hornets. Despite the lost, he etched his name in history joining future Hall of Famer, Lebron James.
They are the only two players in NBA history to have that stat line of 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on their birthday.
James has done it twice so far in his career, in 2009 and 2022. For now, Johnson can say him and one other player have done something no other players have done.
Before his career is over, he has the opportunity to achieve this milestone again.
Hawks Star Joins LeBron James in Exclusive Club on His Birthday