The Atlanta Hawks went back on the road Saturday night, where they fell to the Indiana Pacers 124-129.
Entering the weekend matchup, the Hawks still had momentum, despite falling to the Houston Rockets just 48 hours earlier. Before that loss, they had won four in a row and were looking to start another streak against the struggling Pacers.
Fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, the Pacers have been in a free fall due to the season-long absence of Tyrese Haliburton and ongoing lineup inconsistencies. Still, they’re not a team that should be taken lightly. Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s offensive scheme has always given Atlanta problems, regardless of who’s been in or out of the lineup.
That sentiment was on full display in the previous matchup between the two ball clubs, which took place just five days ago. Even though Atlanta was able to pull away late, Indiana’s effort on both ends of the floor kept them hopeful for three full quarters.
With a 2-0 record against the Pacers this season ahead of Saturday’s game, the road Hawks were the team to beat, and they needed a standout performance from their star forward if they wanted to live up to expectations.
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta's fifth-year forward in the midst of a true breakout season, has had an up-and-down start to the new year. While he appeared to be a lock for the 2026 All-Star Game, it's a tight race in the Eastern Conference, and his somewhat inconsistent play wasn't making the voters' jobs any easier.
Johnson's dominant night against the Pacers may have sealed the deal.
The clock is ticking. With just one day remaining until the 2026 All-Star reserves are announced, Johnson needed to leave no doubt in the minds of the coaches who submit their ballots.
His mentality was on full display as soon as the game tipped off. In the first quarter, Johnson attacked, got downhill, and shot efficiently from all three levels. He was the first, and only, Hawk to surpass double digits in the first 12 minutes.
He continued his relentless attack in the second quarter. In a game where defense appeared to be optional on both sides, Atlanta's top option was making sure his presence was felt. At halftime, Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with an impressive 21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
As the game progressed, Johnson's mentality remained the same: make the defense pay for their relaxed effort. The Hawks struggled to stay in front and the Pacers took full advantage. Despite Johnson's heroics, Indiana controlled the game for much of the second half.
Jalen keeps the Hawks alive with a tough late shot clock three.
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) February 1, 2026
He then drew an offensive foul.
Hawks down four.
Despite the loss, Atlanta's breakout forward, who should soon see his first career All-Star selection, finished the night with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. He recorded another triple-double, continuing a remarkable all-around season.
Again, the choice should already have been clear, but if this matchup held any weight towards a decision, the right move has never been clearer. Jalen Johnson should, and likely will, be named an NBA All-Star.