Jalen Johnson stock rises as Hawks fall to Miami Heat 120-111

Johnson’s first half marks a positive note for Hawks fans

The Hawks fell to the Miami Heat in their third preseason contest. They put out the following lineup to start: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Vit Krejci, Jalen Johnson, and Clint Capela. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Zacharrie Risacher, Seth Lundy, Dominick Barlow, Onyeka Okongwu, and De’Andre Hunter were ruled out of this contest.

The Hawks led 16-12 before the first set of substitutions came in. Notably, Krejci logged three assists and knocked down a three-pointer in this stint with the starters. David Roddy and Kobe Bufkin were the first to the scorer’s table.

The Hawks knocked down a few threes to put themselves at a two-point deficit after quarter one. They finished the first quarter 7-of-8 from beyond the arc but threw 10 turnovers to compensate. Capela exited the game with ankle soreness and wouldn’t return.

Jalen Johnson started off the second quarter with, yet another, poster dunk.

Johnson also made all four of his three-point attempts in the first half. His 21 points would lead all scorers. A buzzer-beating three from Jimmy Butler cut the Hawks’ lead to 69-66 entering halftime. The stories of the half included Johnson’s scoring, making 13-of-19 three-point attempts, and assisting on 20 of their 23 made field goals. Trae Young led the way with eight assists.

Neither Young or Johnson started the second half, presumably resting the remainder of the contest. The Heat controlled the third quarter, taking an eight point lead before a Hawks timeout just past the midway point.

The timeout did not prove fruitful as the Heat continued their run. With Krejci, Mathews, Roddy, Gueye, and Daniels (then Bufkin) in, the Heat lead extended past 20 points. Kevon Harris and Keaton Wallace would enter the game for the Hawks.

The Hawks ran with David Roddy at center to start the fourth. Both teams would finish the game with rotational pieces and unproven players, and the Hawks cut the deficit to 10 with 8:01 left in the game. Entering the game for the very first time would be Daeqwon Plowden.

The Hawks were able to bring it to single digits late, but never made a real threat.

Hawks 111, Heat 120.