Jalen Johnson’s first-half triple-double not enough to lift Hawks past Nuggets

The fortunes of the Hawks and Nuggets seemed to reverse on Friday night in the first and fourth quarters. After making six of their first seven 3s in the first quarter, the Hawks couldn’t buy a bucket in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, the rim opened up for the Nuggets and the Hawks couldn’t stop them. They fell 134-133 at State Farm Arena.

Quick stats: After dropping a first-half triple-double, Johnson finished with 21 points, 18 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists.

“I was playing my game, and it wasn’t much to it, other than just guys hitting shots, just trying to be aggressive,” Johnson said of his first-half triple-double.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 30 points. He sank a pair of clutch 3-pointers, including one that pulled the Hawks back within two with under two minutes to play.

Kristaps Porzingis, who returned to the rotation after a four-game absence, had 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting off the bench. He played just 20 minutes because of a minutes restriction.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had 40 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Turning point

The Hawks took a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter. But the Nuggets hit three straight 3s in the first two minutes, tying the game at 106.

Nuggets wing Tim Hardaway Jr. lined up a 3 with 11:45 to play in the game. Then Cam Johnson made a wide-open jumper from the left wing before Jamal Murray sank another triple one minute later.

It sparked a 7-minute, 26-7 run that put the Nuggets up 123-112.

Though the Hawks regained some control of the game, their early fourth-quarter hole did the damage and the Nuggets blew up their final attempt at a 3 to tie the game.

Highlight play

Fans have come to know Johnson for his athleticism. After missing the Hawks’ action against the Clippers Wednesday, Johnson got right back to it.

With 3:50 left in the second quarter, Johnson climbed the ladder on a transition play. Murray tried to contest Johnson’s dunk attempt, but the Hawks forward hung in the air, moved Murray to the side and dunked the ball.

What they said

“If we got off to the third quarter a lot better. I don’t think that fourth quarter needs to happen. I think it’s more maintaining the lead for us. I think if we just, those first little minutes in the start of the game and then start the third quarter, are big indicators on how the rest of the game is gonna go for us. I think if we just come out to a stronger start the fourth quarter doesn’t even need to happen.” -- Johnson on the Hawks’ comeback after falling behind.

“Every time it’s the same. Honestly, he had 40. I looked up at one point. He’s not having a good game. He has 29. He’s just born for this.” -- Porzingis on going up against Nikola Jokic.