Feb 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Jalen Johnson speaks during interviews at media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images William Liang-Imagn Images

Jalen Johnson Shines In First Career All-Star Game

Originally posted on Atlanta Hawks on SI
By Kahlil McCuller | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 9:06 PM ET

Tonight, the NBA All-Star Game returned for its 75th game, and, what seems like, the 100th time, a new format was in place. This time, the format was two teams of U.S. players versus a team of international players, known as the World team.

The games were played in a tournament-style format and were more competitive than in years past, but not as much in the championship game. In the championship game, both USA teams played each other, with the "Young USA" red team winning over the "OG Stripes" blue team, with Anthony Edwards winning MVP. Jalen Johnson had a few fun moments in the game as well, with a few dunks and a couple of made three-pointers.

Jalen Johnson Jam in the All-Star Game!!! pic.twitter.com/P1TFeezUcl
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 15, 2026

As for Johnson's overall performance this game and this weekend, he put on a fairly entertaining show. Yesterday, Johnson performed well in the skills challenge, and today he followed up with an eventful All-Star Game performance that had Hawks fans buzzing on social media.

Jalen Johnson made us #Hawks fans proud! #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/959qmEFCnD
— MsDee (@femaleatlhawk) February 16, 2026

Jalen Johnson is out here TRYING DURING THE ALL STAR GAME!!

The game I love is so back! pic.twitter.com/VUAIl6WhFv
— SleeperHawks (@SleeperHawks) February 15, 2026

Journey to be an All-Star

The coolest part about Johnson even making it this far was that he made the All-Star Game in his first five years in the NBA, after starting in the NBA G League out of college. During this time, Johnson was sent down to the College Park Skyhawks as a rookie, eventually worked his way up to the main roster, and became who we've seen him be today.

From the @cpskyhawks as a rookie to an #NBAAllStar in year five! Shoutout to #GLeagueAlum Jalen Johnson. @ATLHawks ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/lZrFwO1V6U
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 15, 2026

Now that All-Star weekend has ended, it's time that we start taking a look at the Hawks' end-of-season outlook. Our own

This article first appeared on Atlanta Hawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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