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Jalen Johnson Emerges as Hawks' Leading Star With Trae Young Sidelined

Elevated production during Trae Young’s MCL absence has moved Johnson to the center of Atlanta’s plans.

Overview

  • Johnson is averaging 22.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.7 steals, with nine double-doubles and a triple-double through 16 games.
  • Since Young’s Oct. 29 injury, Atlanta is 10-4 with the league’s seventh-best defensive rating while maintaining near-elite offensive efficiency.
  • Johnson’s three-point accuracy has jumped to 41.5%, up from 31% last season, including 50% over his last 11 games.
  • Per CTG, his 30.9 assist rate ranks among the best for forwards and his 130.2 points per 100 shots places him alongside top scorers by efficiency.
  • He earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Nov. 17, and he credits offseason training with LeBron James for sharpening his approach.