Breaking: Jalen Johnson Delivers Consecutive Triple‑Doubles, Sparks Hawks’ Victory Over Wizards
Washington, Dec. 7 (AP) – Atlanta’s forward Jalen Johnson continued his breakout streak Saturday, posting a 30‑point, 12‑rebound, 12‑assist triple‑double in a 131‑116 triumph over the Washington Wizards.
Historic Back‑to‑Back Performances
Johnson’s feat marks the second straight night he reached a triple‑double, a rarity in NBA history and the first time an Atlanta Hawk has done so on consecutive games as Bob Sura in 2004.
Friday’s 134‑133 loss to Denver saw Johnson register the league’s second‑fastest triple‑double, hitting the milestone in just 16:44-only Nikola Jokić’s 14:33 record stands ahead.
Impact on Hawks Without Trae Young
With four‑time All‑Star Trae Young sidelined by a sprained MCL as late October, Johnson’s emergence has become vital. He now averages 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game, a marked jump from last season.
Coach Quin Snyder praised Johnson’s work ethic, noting the need for “greater efficiency” as the Hawks rely heavily on his playmaking.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 23.8 |
| Rebounds per game | 10.5 |
| Assists per game | 7.8 |
| Triple‑Doubles (2025‑26) | 4 |
Evergreen Insight: The Rise of multi‑Dimensional Forwards
Johnson’s blend of scoring, rebounding and playmaking reflects a league