NBA Fans in Awe as Jalen Johnson's First Half Triple Double Gives Nikola Jokic a Taste of His Own Medicine

Jalen Johnson has been having a breakout season thus far, putting up impressive numbers and making a case as the Atlanta Hawks' future cornerstone. On Friday, Johnson got the chance to prove himself against one of the most dominant players in the NBA today, and the young Hawks forward did not disappoint.

Against the statistical anomaly known as Nikola Jokic, Johnson more than held his own, pulling off a triple double by halftime of the Hawks' matchup versus the Denver Nuggets.

As both teams headed into the locker room, Johnson's stat line was 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Thanks in large part to the fifth-year player's prolific performance, the Hawks led 73-54 at halftime.

Bleacher Report

@BleacherReport

Jalen Johnson has a triple-double... at HALFTIME 🤯 11 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB. WOW.

Johnson's mind-blowing productivity drew plenty of reactions from fans, who were thrilled with what they were watching on a Friday evening.

"Jalen Johnson is playing at such an elite level. It will be absolute cinema when Trae young is playing with him," one fan tweeted. "Will def be his best teammate he’s ever played with...#TrueToAtlanta...he’s played well with Trae already!! Go hawks!"

🤟🏽Kam

@Kam7810

Jalen Johnson is playing at such an elite level. It will be absolute cinema when Trae young is playing with him🔥 Will def be his best teammate he’s ever played with🔥🔥🔥 #TrueToAtlanta he’s played well with Trae already!! Go hawks!

JBond

@jbondwagon

If you’re still unsure about this guy before, this should make you be sure of him now He’s an All Star this year and is now the face of the franchise

Calvin | Kiwi

@Kiwiuh

At what point do we admit he’s the best player on the Hawks?

LINESTAR DFS & PROPS

@LineStarApp

5yr 150 mil ended up being a steal for Jalen Johnson!

darya💐

@daryalittlex

i mean is he joining the circus or what triple-double at halftime that's wild

Jason O'Rourke

@jasonophoto

That’s a statement against the Joker!

After missing a huge chunk of games last season due to injury, Johnson is averaging 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Even as the Hawks' current main man Trae Young misses time with an MCL injury, Johnson has steadied the ship and helped the Hawks stay competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.

Johnson will have several more opportunities against the league's top stars in the months to come. But, on this Friday night, he has put a three-time MVP and the rest of the competition on notice.

Viral clip shows Trae Young warning NBA to watch out for Jalen Johnson's growth

While it remains to be seen whether the Hawks will keep both Johnson and Young in their long-term plans, the veteran playmaker has gone on record as stating that Johnson hasn't even scratched the surface of his full potential.

In a viral clip by journalist Zach Langley, Young warns the rest of the league to watch out for his young teammate's growth.

"What you’re seeing from him now is just the tip of the iceberg," Young said.

The Hawks are currently above .500 right now, but it wil be interesting to see how far the team goes once Young returns at full strength and Johnson keeps up his prolific play.