Kevin Durant lauds Jalen Johnson's phenomenal play, highlighting his all-around game and steady rise as a key factor in Atlanta's recent surge.
Though Jalen Johnson did not play the Thursday game against the Houston Rockets, praises were still high for him from veteran Kevin Durant amid his recent performance surge.
Johnson’s recent stretch has not gone unnoticed around the league, and the latest recognition came from one of the game’s most respected voices.
After the Atlanta Hawks’ convincing road win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Durant offered public praise for Johnson, acknowledging the young forward’s impact and steady rise.
“Incredible All-Star basketball, just do everything. 50, 40, 75, you know, you can get that free throw percentage up a little bit, but hovering around at 50, 40 right now with a triple double," Durant said. "I mean, playing great ball would love to see him in LA for the All-Star Game. It's one of those players that are watching closely because you never know where he can be… an All-Star or an Olympian, he can just do a lot. He can be one of those players who leave us park in the game, so I'm gonna keep watching them throughout the year. It's been fun to watch."
The comment followed another all-around performance from Johnson, who has quietly become one of Atlanta’s most consistent engines during its recent surge.
Johnson finished the Celtics' win with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, controlling the glass and initiating offense as the Hawks jumped on Boston early and never fully let go.
Atlanta raced out to a massive first-half lead behind ball movement, physical rebounding, and perimeter shooting, with Johnson anchoring multiple lineups that kept pressure on the Celtics throughout the night.
The performance was emblematic of a larger trend. Over his last several games, Johnson has posted near triple-double production while taking on increased responsibility on both ends. He has reached at least 14 rebounds in four of his past five outings, serving as a stabilizer during Atlanta’s three-game winning streak entering Boston.
That momentum has been fueled by a more aggressive approach, particularly on the boards. Johnson credited head coach Quin Snyder for pushing him to impose his physicality, a directive that showed up repeatedly as he extended possessions and converted second-chance opportunities.
Atlanta’s win at TD Garden was one of its most complete efforts of the season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu all contributed, while the Hawks’ defense limited Boston’s ability to generate sustained runs.
Even as the Celtics chipped away in the second half, Johnson’s poise and rebounding helped Atlanta maintain control.