Jalen Johnson hasn't been having the postseason of his dreams. In fact, his play has been less than ideal. Atlanta's been able to manage and stay afloat, at least for the time being, but they can't expect to go too far if their superstar doesn't turn it up a notch. They'll need his dominance to return as soon as Game Five in New York.
If it doesn't, they might as well kiss their hopes of a deep run goodbye. They've been waiting for their top option to start playing like a top option, and through four games, it hasn't come to light. The Hawks have a real chance to take control of the series, and Johnson has an even greater chance to make the statement everyone's been waiting for.
The opportunity has never been greater for him to cement his superstar status
Madison Square Garden either brings out the best or worst in an opposing player. There's no in-between. Games One and Two had CJ McCollum turning into the newest Knicks' villain, but if he can't keep up a similar level of production this time around, it sets up perfectly for Johnson to take over.
The environment, as well as the impending defensive adjustments, might bode well for his chances to silence the doubters. The stakes are getting higher with each passing day, and being the first team to three wins in the series is an opportunity neither side wants to let go to waste.
Alright, we've got ourselves a series!
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) April 26, 2026
All tied up heading back to the Hawks' favorite playground, McCollum Square Garden.
Two-day rest will benefit this group big-time.
That's why homecourt is crucial in a postseason setting. The lower seed is never meant to win. Even after the Hawks went up 2-1, Game Four was just as big because if they didn't take it, the momentum would shift to the favorites. Resiliency has defined this group ever since they began their late-season turnaround, and Hawks fans have no reason to stop believing, especially if Johnson puts together a strong showing.
There's legitimate reason to believe that whoever wins this next game, wins the series. Of course, it won't be certain, but the odds will be in heavy favor of whoever goes up 3-2.
A win in Game Five could be all Johnson needs to soar the rest of the way
Not much can shape the outlook of a postseason run quite like a crucial win in Madison Square Garden. A struggling young superstar can't put together a stretch of dominant performances unless they have their first. The 24-point near triple-double in Game Three was a good start, but an underwhelming Game Four capturing the attention of the masses wasn't an ideal way to respond.
He's due for an explosion. They need him to have one. If he's able to use his strengths to sway the outcome of the next matchup in Atlanta's favor, he'll immediately put the league on watch once more. That, right there, could be exactly what deflates the Knicks before coming back to State Farm Arena for a potential series-clincher.
Add us as a preferred source on Google