Hawks edge 76ers in double overtime as Johnson shines

Hawks edge 76ers in double overtime as Johnson shines

Two teams traded leads in a tense night, culminating in a 142-134 double-overtime triumph for Atlanta. Jalen Johnson delivered a career-high 41 points to spark the Hawks.

The game was tied 115-115 after regulation, and the first overtime finished at 126-126, forcing a second extra period.

In the second overtime, Tyrese Maxey tied the game at 132-132 with a driving layup, but Johnson answered with back-to-back three-pointers to push Atlanta ahead and seal the win.

Maxey led Philadelphia with 44 points, while Joel Embiid returned from knee soreness after a nine-game absence and contributed 18 points in 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, LeBron James did not play for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 133-121 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, with the team citing a cautious approach to a lingering left-foot issue.

On the other side of the country, the Oklahoma City Thunder stretched their winning streak to 12 games with a 123-115 victory at Portland. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points as Oklahoma City moved to 20 wins in 21 games this season.

Expert note: Resting an older injury during a heavy schedule is a common strategy to keep players fresh for key games. Medical teams emphasize cautious management to prevent longer absences while preserving performance in the short term.

Summary: Johnson's scoring outburst powered the Hawks to a dramatic win, aided by Embiid's return and Maxey's scoring punch for Philadelphia. The Lakers managed a win with LeBron James resting, and the Thunder continued their impressive run. The night highlighted how top players influence outcomes in multiple ways, from clutch shooting to strategic load management.

Key takeaway: In tightly contested games, timely shooting and smart rest can determine the outcome, as seen in Johnson's standout night. BBC Sport coverage