"Trae is a role player now": NBA Fans React to Jalen Johnson's Mind-Blowing Eruption on Trae Young's Return

The Atlanta Hawks saw Trae Young return from injury on Thursday in their 133–126 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. While Young’s comeback was an encouraging sign, it was Jalen Johnson’s career-high performance that ultimately drew the attention of NBA fans.

Hoops Central highlighted Jalen Johnson's mind-blowing stats on X (formerly Twitter), labelling him a "superstar."

"JALEN JOHNSON TONIGHT: 43 POINTS, 11 REBOUNDS , 9 ASSISTS, 16/27 FGM, 39 MINUTES, SUPERSTAR," Hoop Central wrote.

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This tweet garnered reactions from NBA fans, with many questioning Trae Young's role on the team.

Johnson poured in a career-high 43 points against the Hornets, a performance that largely stole the focus from Young’s return after a 22-game absence. While some fans were quick to question Young’s status as the Hawks’ leading man, those comparisons were unfair to a certain extent.

The three-time All-Star has been Atlanta’s most impactful player since joining the team and showed flashes of that influence in his return. While he scored just eight points on a rusty 3-of-8 shooting night, Young still handed out 10 assists in only 20 minutes of action.

However, it was another returning player who had the final say. LaMelo Ball rejoined the starting lineup on Thursday after missing three games with an ankle injury. Ball knocked down seven three-pointers in the first half to help Charlotte secure just its ninth win of the season, ending the game with a 28-point double-double.

Jalen Johnson also posted a double-double with 43 points and 11 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double after finishing with nine assists. Johnson and the Hawks will look to bounce back when they host the San Antonio Spurs at home in their second game in as many days.

Atlanta Hawks headcoach reflects on Trae Young's performance after returning from injury

Atlanta Hawks head coach Quinn Snyder reflected on Trae Young's return from injury following his team's 133-126 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Snyder hailed Young's performance but acknowledged it would take some time for him to get acclimated to the team.

"Yeah, I think, as I said before the game, it’s going to be a process for us, for everybody to get acclimated," Snyder said (Timestamp: 3:30). "For Trae to continue to get in shape, and for all the different things that are required when you put a group together."

Young returned to the lineup on Thursday after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a sprained MCL.

Edited by Arian Kashyap