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[Saba Sports News] Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson’s dad went viral on social media Friday simply for being a proud father.
Rod Johnson Sr. and his wife, Stacy Johnson, were being interviewed during their son Jalen’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Before Hawks sideline reporter Tabitha Turner-Wilkins could finish her question, Jalen made a play that had Rod Sr. shouting into the mic.
Jalen got the ball on the right wing to open the second quarter with the Hawks trailing the Lakers 31-28. The 23-year-old drove hard to the basket for a powerful two-handed dunk.
“Ohhhh! He did it again!” exclaimed Rod Sr. “He did it again! Oh my god. I’m not [asking him to do] this on purpose. Every time we get an interview, he’s dunking the basketball.”
Celebrating your own highlight play is one thing, but watching your child do something special for the world to see is another.
Jalen didn’t dunk on LeBron James, but the Lakers star was close enough to be visible on any future poster Rod Sr. will probably print out for friends and family.
Jalen Johnson has been one of the NBA’s breakout stars this season. Through 32 games, the Duke alum has averaged just under 20 points per game on 51.2% shooting, along with 10.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks. The Hawks standout is an early contender for this season’s Most Improved Player award.
If Jalen wins the MIP trophy, someone better capture his dad’s live reaction to the news.