Regardless of whether he’s the Atlanta Hawks player soaring through the air or the one setting the table for others, Jalen Johnson’s blend of IQ and athletic traits in the open floor equals can’t-miss basketball. Testing the Los Angeles Lakers’ liveliness on the second night of a back-to-back, the uniquely-talented third-year forward conducts the fastbreak himself, disorienting a defender with a fake pass that turns into a nifty crossover. Successful in his goal of shifting the opposition’s defensive formation completely, Johnson leaves the rest of the fun to his cutting teammate, scooping an underhand dish through the now wide-open lane to set up a two-handed flush. Routinely present among the NBA’s Most Improved Player candidates for 2023-24, Johnson was splendid in the high-scoring victory on January 30, 2024, joining seven Hawks in double-figures with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one 3-pointer. · Jan 31, 2024