The Atlanta Hawks faced off against the Denver Nuggets in an intense matchup, where forward Jalen Johnson made headlines. Before the game, Nuggets coach David Adelman hailed Johnson as a “multi-time All-Star.” Johnson quickly proved his worth by achieving a triple-double in the first half.
Historic Triple-Double Performance
In a remarkable display, Johnson recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists before halftime. His first-half performance helped the Hawks establish a 19-point lead. However, the Nuggets rallied to win the game 134-133.
Johnson concluded the night with impressive stats: 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. His 16 assists set a new personal record, while his 18 rebounds tied his previous best.
Second-Fastest Triple-Double in NBA History
Johnson’s achievement stands out as he became the sixth player in NBA history and the first from the Atlanta Hawks to register a triple-double by halftime. The only players to have achieved such a feat before him are:
- Russell Westbrook
- Nikola Jokić
- Luka Dončić
- Domantas Sabonis
- Kevin Johnson
Johnson’s triple-double took just 16 minutes and 44 seconds, making it the second-fastest in NBA history. The record still belongs to Nikola Jokić, who accomplished it in 14 minutes and 33 seconds back in 2018.
Coaching Remarks
After the game, Hawks coach Quin Snyder commented on Johnson’s impact, stating, “We feed off him. He has the ability to impact the game at multiple levels, and his stat line represents that.”
Jokic’s Resilience
On the opposing side, Nikola Jokić, who entered the game averaging a triple-double but failed to achieve one, showcased his skills nonetheless. He scored 30 points in the second half, finishing with 40 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, leading the Nuggets’ comeback.
In the closing moments, Jokić scored Denver’s final 11 points, sealing the game after the Hawks closed in with a layup by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Johnson’s Rising Stardom
Johnson’s ability to achieve a triple-double through assists first is uncommon. He dominated early with creative passes, setting up teammates for successful shots. His 12 assists by halftime marked his second-highest total this season, following his 14 assists in a previous victory against the Utah Jazz.
With Johnson averaging 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game this season, he is emerging as a potential All-Star. The Hawks hold a 13-10 record despite being without All-Star Trae Young for parts of the season, further highlighting Johnson’s growing importance to the team.
