Just when things start falling into place! No, the Basketball Gods aren’t always going to be kind. At least, they’re showing their true colors to the Atlanta Hawks. The team is anyway struggling to keep itself going amidst the fierce battles in the East. But, to find themselves in a heartbreaking dilemma with their 23-year-old small forward Jalen Johnson? Who would’ve guessed things to turn out this way? NO ONE!

Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes broke a piece of news today, and it did not sit well with the Atlanta Hawks fans.

He reported: “Jalen Johnson is out for the rest of the season. [He] Sustained a torn labrum in the left shoulder and will be out the remainder of the season. He suffered the injury last week against the Toronto Raptors.” This comes as a huge blow to the Hawks and Johnson considering he emerged as a young star in only his fourth season. 

Jalen Johnson was having a breakout season, dominating in 36 regular-season games. He put up 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 threes on 50% shooting. However, with his injury cutting his campaign short, the Atlanta Hawks now face a tough challenge. As a result, they need new heroes to step up. Therefore, players like De’Andre Hunter, Zaccharie Risacher, Vit Krejci, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Garrison Mathews must rise to the occasion.

The battle is far from over for the team, and with loyal fans standing by, hope remains. However, this latest injury report has sent supporters into a concerned frenzy, as the devastation slowly creeps in.

Hawks fans express heartbreak in light of Jalen Johnson’s injury update

“Devastating blow for the Hawks,” one of the Atlanta Hawks fans commented on X. Undoubtedly, Jalen Johnson’s injury update came as a shock to the die-hards. Especially because the star was playing one of his finest games this season. Also, keep in mind, that Trae Young‘s right hamstring soreness has also been an eyesore this season. Overall, the situation for the team isn’t particularly favorable.

Meanwhile, Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor commented: “Terrible news. Played like an All-Star this season.” Surely, Johnson couldn’t make it to the 2025 NBA All-Stars starters this season. But, his fierce presence on the court and an average of 18.9 points per game simply show he had the potential to do wonders. Sadly, for him, this is where the 2024-25 season ends.

Another fan dropped a one-word message, “Wow.” Oh, no, this isn’t a happy “wow,” it’s a rather devastating one. Fans cannot wrap their head around the fact that their stalwart star has been sidelined like this. Well, this season has been all about injuries. No one has been spared, not even Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Nonetheless, Jalen Johnson‘s absence from the locker room and the court will be felt.

Someone dropped a GIF reaction of a disappointed Shaq. In all true sense, the 23-year-old forward’s situation and the Hawks’ condition in the East sum to what the GIF portrays perfectly:

“Damn glad I saw you play earlier this season,” a fan sighed. Lucky fans got to enjoy Jalen’s style for 36 games this year. Surely, ‘the more the better’ was the only mantra in their minds, sadly things aren’t turning out that way. Therefore, other players like Clint Capella, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu have to step up.

Lastly, another GIF reaction, to match the heartbreak of the Hawks supporters. A devastated Thomas Tuchel, just shows what the vibe is like right now:

Now with Jalen Johnson gone, what lies ahead for the Atlanta Hawks? Will the team stay strong and continue their fight in the league? Hopefully so. Because falling apart isn’t an option at this stage in the NBA right now.