It's that time of year. Even though the playoffs don't officially begin until later this month, the intensity of each game during this final stretch is already at that level. Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks have to finish strong in order to ensure a spot in the top six.
It's been a roller coaster of a year, and the last few games before the postseason are no exception. There's no doubt this team is going to be battle-tested as they enter a wide-open Eastern Conference bracket.
Through ups and downs, it's important the Hawks apply what they learn
Two teams they could potentially face in a first-round series, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, are at the forefront of this daunting late-season schedule. The Hawks couldn't knock off the Knicks, but with a home-and-home against the Cavaliers coming up, they won't have much time to dwell.
Regardless of the outcomes, these matchups are crucial considering the experience they're gaining. A loss could even prove to be more beneficial than a less meaningful regular season win, as there's now a clear outline as to what Atlanta needs to improve on before a potential series.
Jalen Johnson understands what they need to do moving forward, proclaiming, "I think for us, our biggest thing is just continuing to execute at a high level, especially with games coming down to the wire like they did tonight."
The matchup with the Knicks indeed came down to the wire. Looking for their 14th consecutive victory at State Farm Arena, Johnson and the Hawks knew this was going to be no easy contest.
Every matchup from here on out holds massive stakes.
"It's playoff basketball now," Johnson noted. "Teams are starting to get ready for the playoffs. So, just our execution level, like the last five minutes I think, if we continue to hone in on that and execute, I think we'll put ourselves in a better position."
Teams are shortening their rotations, playing with much more physicality, and assessing what their opponents could bring in a seven-game series. The Knicks, like the Hawks, have had an up-and-down season, but are beginning to truly gel at the perfect time.
One game against a potential first-round opponent down, two more to go.
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) April 7, 2026
I asked Jalen Johnson about this final stretch and how they can use these likely postseason previews to their advantage:
“I think for us, our biggest thing is just continuing to execute at a high level,… pic.twitter.com/V4rcjSmUX1
These two upcoming matchups with the Cavaliers are going to be telling. As Johnson said, the Hawks "did a lot of good things" against the Knicks that they can take with them. Now, it's about truly applying those lessons and changing the result of the previous outing.
Jalen Johnson hasn't disappointed in his first season as a top option, but the postseason is where superstars separate themselves. His relentless mentality this early into his career suggests that he and his team are going to be just fine.