TITLE: Johnson’s 41-Point Outburst Headlines Busy Day Around Southeast Division
SLUG: johnson-41-point-outburst-southeast-division-roundup
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Atlanta forward Jalen Johnson delivered a career-high 41 points in Sunday’s double-overtime victory over Philadelphia, scoring 12 points in the extra periods to seal the win. Head coach Quin Snyder said Johnson’s ability to correct mistakes on the fly shows “the sign of a more mature player.” Over his last 10 games, the 22-year-old is averaging 25.4 points, 11 rebounds and 9.1 assists. This season marks the first year of his five-year, $150 million contract.
Hornets
Charlotte coach Charles Lee wants Lonzo Ball to make a greater defensive impact when his offense stalls. “When he plays at that high of a level, he makes our team different and really special,” Lee told the Charlotte Observer. Ball’s name has surfaced in trade chatter during the season.
Magic
Paolo Banchero will miss Monday night’s game against the Bulls, his 10th straight absence due to a left groin strain suffered on Nov. 12. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said the forward remains in the non-contact phase of rehabilitation, adding the team is “monitoring how he responds to each treatment each day.” Even without Banchero, Orlando sits eighth in offensive rating and inside the top 10 defensively, buoyed by offseason addition Desmond Bane and staff adjustments that have elevated the attack 19 spots from last season.
Wizards
Washington center Alex Sarr will not face Milwaukee on Monday because of right adductor soreness. The rookie is averaging 19.1 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Source: Hoops Rumors
