Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Jalen Johnson's career-best play is exactly what the Hawks need

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 5:59 PM ET

Atlanta Hawks small forward Jalen Johnson appears to be hitting his stride now in his fifth NBA season.

Johnson, 23, actually is coming off a performance that sets a new standard for his personal best.

While leading the Hawks to a 132-122 win over the Utah Jazz, Johnson posted career-highs across the board.

Jalen Johnson put up the single best game of his career vs. Jazz

He scored 31 points, brought down 18 rebounds, recorded 14 assists and even added seven steals.

Jalen Johnson just set these FOUR career-highs in the same night!

31 PTS
18 REB
14 AST
7 STL pic.twitter.com/L695IdWAv1
— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2025

Johnson's recent heroics are far from just a one-off, too.

With a career scoring average of just 11.6, Johnson is on pace for a season that could earn him the first All-Star honor of his young career. Through 11 games in 2025-26, Johnson is averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He's even shooting an eye-popping 57.9% from the field.

Hawks have needed every bit of Johnson's strong play

Johnson's breakout season has helped keep the Hawks near the top of the Eastern Conference despite four-time All-Star Trae Young's absence due to a knee sprain.

Atlanta sits at 8-5, good enough to be the East's fifth seed.

There's still a long season to go, but if Johnson can keep up this level of play all year, Atlanta may have finally found an offensive co-star for Young.

Johnson will now get to rest up until his next game on Sunday, when the Hawks meet the Suns in Phoenix. Tip-off from the PHX Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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