The Atlanta Hawks have reached the NBA playoffs for three consecutive seasons, but extending this streak to four years may be difficult. Currently, Atlanta has a 22-25 record, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference—three games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers for the final playoff position and just two games behind the six-seed Miami Heat. If they can surpass Miami, Atlanta can avoid the Play-In Tournament, a stage they have yet to experience.
Leading the team in points and assists per game is Trae Young; however, the development of forward Jalen Johnson has been crucial for the Hawks this season. Unfortunately, they will now be without Johnson for the remainder of the year. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Johnson has suffered a torn labrum, which will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Breaking: Atlanta Hawks young star Jalen Johnson has suffered a torn labrum in left shoulder and will miss rest of the season, league sources tell @ChrisBHaynes. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/AixmhuvbwY pic.twitter.com/mvBoPm2tBL
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 29, 2025
The injury took place during a close 122-119 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Johnson was having a breakout season, averaging 18.9 points and 10 rebounds per game over 36 games—both of which were career highs. He was also one of Atlanta’s most dependable players, averaging 35.7 minutes on the court, second only to Young. The news of his injury has generated sadness across social media.
The injury bug always cooks this team https://t.co/Msvt4tojph
— Vic Damone Jr (@wholesomefoxx) January 29, 2025
Had such a great year man 💔
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) January 29, 2025
Watching him this year was fun, this sucks 😔
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) January 29, 2025
Terrible news. Played like an All-Star this season.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 29, 2025
