Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson Shine as 'Partners in Crime'

The duo combined for key plays down the stretch to lead Atlanta to a home win over the Kings.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:53am

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In a close game against the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson stepped up in the fourth quarter, either scoring or assisting on all of the Hawks' points in the final minutes to secure a 123-113 victory. The two young players have developed a strong on-court chemistry, with Alexander-Walker describing them as 'partners in crime' who are 'learning and growing together' in their first significant NBA roles.

Why it matters

The Hawks have dealt with several key injuries this season, but Alexander-Walker and Johnson have emerged as reliable contributors off the bench. Their late-game heroics against the Kings showcase the team's depth and ability to get production from unexpected sources, which will be crucial as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.

The details

With the game tied at 97 midway through the fourth quarter, Alexander-Walker and Johnson combined to score or assist on every Hawks basket down the stretch. Johnson started the run with five straight points, then Alexander-Walker hit back-to-back three-pointers to give Atlanta an 11-point lead. The duo continued to make plays, with Johnson hitting another three and assisting on baskets by Jock Landale and CJ McCollum. Alexander-Walker then assisted Johnson on a three-pointer to seal the victory.

  • The game was tied at 97 midway through the fourth quarter.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A third-year guard for the Atlanta Hawks who has stepped up in a bigger role this season, forming a strong partnership with teammate Jalen Johnson.

Jalen Johnson

A second-year forward for the Atlanta Hawks who, along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, made key plays down the stretch to lead the team to victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Jock Landale

A Hawks center who started in place of the injured Onyeka Okongwu and finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Quin Snyder

The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, who praised the communication and unselfishness of his players, including Alexander-Walker and Johnson, in the late-game comeback.

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What they’re saying

“Him and I talk all the time. It's been cool to band together and really try to figure out how to win. For both of us, it's our first time in this position, and I think we've been leaning on each other to grow.”

— Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks Guard

“Sometimes it feels like we want that other person to go be aggressive, which is cool to have someone who's in your corner. Telling you to go get it, telling you to be aggressive. Having a partner in crime with him, I'm enjoying it. I'm learning a lot, we're growing together. It's fun.”

— Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks Guard

“We have a number of guys that are attacking late in the game. Sometimes it requires a lot of communication on their part. They're all so unselfish, and they just want the right result. Both of those guys' confidence is really high as far as making a play, whether it's a shot or they're finding each other. I think that's the best part about it.”

— Quin Snyder, Hawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawks will face a tough test in their next game, as they take on the Boston Celtics in a rematch on March 31st.

The takeaway

The strong partnership between Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson has been a bright spot for the injury-plagued Hawks this season. Their ability to step up and make crucial plays down the stretch showcases the team's depth and resilience as they push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.