Jalen Johnson leads Hawks past Celtics
Jan 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) attempts a free-throw against the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Jalen Johnson had 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists to help the visiting Atlanta Hawks extend their winning streak to four games by beating the Boston Celtics 117-106 Wednesday night.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 21 points. The Hawks received 17 points from Onyeka Okongwu and 15 from Dyson Daniels.
Atlanta made 18 of its 42 3-point attempts, and scored 23 points off 16 Boston turnovers. Alexander-Walker connected on 5 of 12 3-point attempts.
The Hawks, who are 9-13 at home, improved their road record to 15-12.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 21 points and seven rebounds, but was 9 of 20 from the field and missed each of his five 3-point shots. Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons each tossed in 12 for the Celtics, who never led after Atlanta went in front 7-5 with 9:37 remaining in the opening quarter.
Boston center Neemias Queta did not play because of an illness. Queta is averaging 10.0 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game this season.
Atlanta assumed control early with a 12-0 run that put the Hawks up 14-5. An Alexander-Walker 3-pointer extended Atlanta's lead to 32-11 with 2:24 left in the opening quarter, and the Hawks led 38-18 after 12 minutes.
Atlanta extended its advantage to 60-38 with 3:33 left in the second quarter, but Boston scored the final eight points in the first half and trailed 60-46 at halftime. The Hawks made 11 of their 23 3-point attempts (48%) in the first two quarters.
The Celtics trailed by 23 at one point in the third, but sliced their deficit to 11 points, 87-76, at the end of three quarters. The Celtics failed to get closer than 11 points in the fourth.
It was the second game between the teams this season. The Celtics won the first matchup 132-106 in Atlanta on Jan. 17.
--Field Level Media
Three Trades the NBA Needs to Make Before the Deadline
New York Hockey Trades Add Fuel to NHL Deadline Fire
Wednesday Jan. 28 NBA Best Betting Picks, Predictions
Why Sam Darnold Is the Best Story in Sports Right Now
- College Basketball Picks Today: Nebraska vs. Michigan Headlines Loaded Slate
- Tuesday NHL Betting Picks: Expert Bets for Jan. 27th
- Best NBA Bets Today: Spread Picks and Player Props for Monday’s Games
- NFL Championship Weekend Picks: AFC & NFC Best Bets
- College Basketball Player Prop Bet Picks for Saturday, January 24th
- UFC 324 Preview and Best Bets: Sean O’Malley, and More
- NHL Best Betting Picks Today: Rangers vs. Sharks Bets

