NBA: Hawks handle Wizards, but Jalen Johnson exits

Jonathan Kuminga scored a season-high 27 points in his Atlanta debut as the Hawks led wire-to-wire to beat the visiting Washington Wizards 119-98 on Tuesday, marking Atlanta’s second straight win.

Acquired from Golden State at the trade deadline, Kuminga shot 9 of 12 from the floor and scored 18 points in the third quarter. Coming off the bench, he added seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. This was Kuminga’s first game since Jan. 22 due to a left knee bone bruise.

Atlanta’s victory was slightly marred by the loss of All-Star Jalen Johnson, who exited the game at 6:22 in the first quarter with a left hip flexor injury. Johnson, who recorded five points, three rebounds, and two steals in six minutes, did not return and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

Other key contributors for the Hawks included Nickeil Alexander-Walker with 16 points, Corey Kispert with 12, and Onyeka Okongwu, who recorded his 13th double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

For Washington, reserves Will Riley scored a team-high 18 points, while Justin Champagnie and Jamir Watkins added 14 points each. Champagnie missed the previous game due to right knee tendinopathy.

Former Atlanta star Trae Young, sidelined with a right knee MCL strain since Dec. 27, remained on the bench but did not play. The Hawks honored Young with a highlight video on the big screen, leaving him visibly emotional.

Atlanta jumped on the Wizards early, forcing five turnovers before Washington even attempted a shot. The Hawks led 7-0, extended their lead to eight early, and finished the first quarter ahead 35-20.

The Hawks pushed their advantage to 22 points in the second quarter, leading 57-35, and took a 60-43 edge into halftime. Atlanta outscored Washington 40-21 in the third quarter to enter the fourth with a commanding 100-64 lead.

Atlanta has now won two of three games against the Wizards this season, with the final matchup set for Thursday in Atlanta.

—Field Level Media/Reuters