Jalen Johnson is rapidly becoming the engine of the Trae-Young-less Atlanta Hawks and his head coach believes he’s still only scratching the surface. Johnson recorded his second triple-double in as many nights on Saturday, posting 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in the Hawks’ 131–116 win over the Washington Wizards. It was his fourth triple-double of the season, all coming at a time when Atlanta is without four-time All-Star Trae Young, sidelined since late October with a sprained right MCL. The 23-year-old is averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists, all major jumps from his breakout 2024–25 campaign. “It reflects a guy who’s done a lot of work and who we need to make a lot of plays for us,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “The triple-doubles are great, but he wants to win and there’s more there. He can be even more efficient, because we need him to be.” Johnson’s back-to-back performances were historic.On Friday, in a one-point loss to Denver, he logged the second-fastest triple-double in NBA history, hitting the mark in just 16:44, behind only Nikola Jokić’s 14:33.Saturday’s effort made him only the second Hawk ever to post triple-doubles on both ends of a back-to-back, joining Bob Sura in April 2004. “Yesterday was cool, but tonight was more important because we got the win,” Johnson said. “It was a great group effort. My teammates make the game easier for me.” With Young out and the Hawks reshaping their identity, Johnson’s rise has been essential — and if Snyder is right, the frightening part for the rest of the league is that he still has room to grow.

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren first crossed paths six years ago. It happened in Colorado Springs. Duren, then 15, was getting up shots late at night. Cunningham, 17, joked about Duren’s stiff jumper. Neither knew they’d become teammates. Or close friends. That friendship fuels Detroit’s surge this season. Cunningham, now 24, is playing at an MVP level. Duren, 22, has taken a major leap and is in the Most Improved Player race. Both could be All-Stars in February. Duren is averaging 19.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He’s added off-the-dribble moves and a midrange touch. Cunningham is on pace for career highs across the board: 27.6 points, 9.2 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Their chemistry started off the court. Last summer, Cunningham organized a rugged Colorado trip. No luxury. Small cabins. One TV. Bugs everywhere. Duren said it pushed his comfort zone and expanded his mindset. Cunningham teaches him new things. They talk about history and life. Duren calls him “very intellectual.” The next adventure came a month later. They traveled to Rome. Two weeks together. Museums. Ancient ruins. Long walks. Constant new experiences. Cunningham said exploring as tourists brought them even closer. That closeness now shows in games. Their timing. Their reads. Their trust. It’s a major reason the Pistons have climbed the Eastern Conference standings.

Chicago Bulls rookie Noa Essengue will miss the rest of the season. Coach Billy Donovan announced the news Wednesday. Essengue needs surgery on his left shoulder. Doctors advised fixing the issue now. Donovan said the problem could linger if they waited. The final decision was made earlier in the day. Essengue, 18, was the 12th pick in the draft. The French forward played only two games for Chicago. He logged just over six minutes and missed all three of his shots. He also played four games in the G League. With Windy City, he averaged 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, and nearly 31 minutes. Chicago is dealing with several other injuries. Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, and Jalen Smith are all out. Guards Isaac Okoro and Tre Jones are also sidelined.