Jalen Johnson Shines In First Career All-Star Game

The Hawks' rising star made an impact in his All-Star debut.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jalen Johnson, the Atlanta Hawks' young forward, had an eventful performance in his first career NBA All-Star Game. Johnson showcased his athleticism with a few highlight-reel dunks and made a couple of three-pointers, entertaining the crowd and Hawks fans on social media. Despite the new tournament-style format making the game more competitive, Johnson was able to make his mark and continue his impressive rise in the league after starting in the G League as a rookie.

Why it matters

Johnson's All-Star appearance in just his fifth NBA season is a testament to his rapid development and the Hawks' ability to identify and nurture young talent. As the team looks to make a playoff push in the second half of the season, Johnson's performance on the national stage will only raise his profile and build excitement around the Hawks' future.

The details

In the championship game of the NBA All-Star tournament, Johnson's "Young USA" red team defeated the "OG Stripes" blue team, with Anthony Edwards winning MVP. Johnson had several highlight plays, including a few powerful dunks and made three-pointers that had Hawks fans buzzing on social media. Johnson's All-Star selection comes after he was initially sent down to the G League as a rookie, before working his way up to become a key part of the Hawks' rotation.

  • The 75th NBA All-Star Game was played on February 14, 2026.
  • Johnson participated in the skills challenge on February 13, 2026.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Atlanta Hawks' rising young forward, who made his first career NBA All-Star Game appearance in his fifth season after starting in the G League.

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard who was named NBA All-Star Game MVP after leading the "Young USA" red team to victory.

Kristaps Porzingis

The former Hawks player who was traded to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline, in a move that could impact the Hawks' playoff push.

Jonathan Kuminga

The young Warriors forward acquired by the Hawks in the Porzingis trade, who could provide a boost to the Hawks' roster for the remainder of the season.

Buddy Hield

The veteran sharpshooter also acquired by the Hawks in the Porzingis trade, though he is not expected to be a major part of the rotation going forward.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen Johnson made us #Hawks fans proud!”

— MsDee, Hawks fan (Twitter)

“Jalen Johnson is out here TRYING DURING THE ALL STAR GAME!! The game I love is so back!”

— SleeperHawks, Hawks fan (Twitter)

“From the @cpskyhawks as a rookie to an #NBAAllStar in year five! Shoutout to #GLeagueAlum Jalen Johnson.”

— NBA G League (Twitter)

What’s next

With the All-Star break now over, the Hawks will look to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season. The team's recent trade for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield could provide a boost, and the Hawks have an easier remaining schedule compared to some of the teams they are chasing in the standings.

The takeaway

Jalen Johnson's impressive All-Star debut is a sign of the Hawks' ability to develop young talent and build a promising core for the future. Despite a disappointing first half of the season, the team still has a chance to make the playoffs, and Johnson's emergence as a rising star gives Hawks fans reason to be excited about the team's long-term outlook.