Jalen

Johnson

All five third-team selections were named All-NBA for the first time in their respective careers on Sunday. Duren’s selection may be the most impactful, as he’ll hit restricted free agency next month. The All-NBA selection makes him eligible for a max deal worth up to $287 million over five years. However, given his struggles during the postseason and the Pistons’ need to also address Ausar Thompson’s future, Duren may not strike it that rich this summer. Especially with other teams unable to offer a deal on par with what the Pistons can.

Johnson was Atlanta’s best scorer on Thursday. In 32 minutes, he was the only player on the Hawks to reach the 20-point mark, which he did by using a combination of two-point scoring, three-point efficiency, and free-throw production. He also led the team in rebounds and assists before the final horn sounded. Johnson took a major leap in production this season and averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists over 72 regular-season games, while becoming an NBA All-Star for the first time. Another leap in Year 6 would bring even more fantasy value.

Johnson struggled mightily in Game 4 on Saturday, and while he was more effective in this one, it wasn’t enough to get the Hawks on the right side of the scoreboard. He was better, but he hasn’t played to the level that Atlanta needs their All-Star to play at. He’ll need to make more of an impact on both ends of the floor in Game 6 on Thursday for the Hawks to avoid elimination.

Coming off of his most productive game of the series, Johnson struggled in Game 4. In addition to a 1-of-5 night from beyond the arc, the Hawks’ All-Star forward did not record any defensive stats. Give New York’s Josh Hart and OG Anunoby credit for their defensive work, but the Hawks need more from Johnson if they’re to win this series. Game 5 is on Tuesday in New York with the series tied at two games apiece.

Johnson had his most productive game of the series in Game 3. While he left some points at the free-throw line and wasn’t very efficient from the field, he still found a way to lead Atlanta in scoring in his 38 minutes. But the fifth-year forward did more than just score points on Thursday; he led all players in assists and was one of two Hawks players to pull down double-digit rebounds. Much like throughout the regular season, Johnson stuffed the stat sheet and was a major contributor for the Hawks. They’ll hope to receive similar production from the first-time All-Star in Game 4.

New York’s Josh Hart has been solid defensively against Johnson in the first two games of this series, but the Hawks’ forward shot the ball better than he did in Game 1. After shooting 8-of-19 from the field in Game 1, Johnson made 50 percent of his attempts in Game 2. Add in the rebounds, and this was a solid effort on a night when the Hawks received key contributions from multiple players. It would be unsurprising if Johnson had a big night in Game 3 on Thursday after Atlanta grabbed the momentum with its comeback in Game 2.

Johnson was one of two Hawks to score at least 20 points in Game 1, but his overall impact was muted. Not counting Atlanta’s April 10 win over the Cavaliers in which he played 25 minutes, the All-Star forward went nearly a month since the last time he recorded three assists in a game. Dyson Daniels (4/9/11/3) was Atlanta’s most effective playmaker on Saturday, and they can’t afford for that to be the case if they’re going to win the series. Johnson will look to be more impactful in Game 2 on Monday.

The Hawks aren’t playing any of their starters in Sunday’s regular-season finale. Due to the absences, Zaccharie Risacher and Asa Newell are two forwards who should play plenty against the Heat.

Johnson and McCollum may sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, as the Hawks can finish no worse than sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, even with a loss. If available, Jonathan Kuminga is one player who may take on a heavier workload on Sunday, which makes him an intriguing option in active fantasy leagues.

Johnson has been a huge reason for Atlanta’s success this year, but this was a subpar performance for him, even if he was able to extend his double-double streak to five games. Johnson has been one of the best players in fantasy basketball this season, but efficiency was an issue in what was only the Hawks’ fourth loss since the All-Star break. Their next two games are against the Cavaliers, and they’ll need Johnson to be better than he was in this game to avoid the play-in tournament.