The Atlanta Hawks are coming into this season with more experience under their belt, and it started last year in the playoffs against the New York Knicks. For Jalen Johnson, it was his first time in that setting as one of the top guys on a team, and he struggled throughout the series.

Johnson knew that he needed to be better, and that's what he dedicated his offseason to right after the series.

“There was the first month and a half, two months after the season; all it was was film from that next series and just how I can learn and grow from that because, at the end of the day, I want to win championships,” Johnson said at Media Day via Jameelah Johnson. “The playoffs are where you need to be at your best. Understanding that and having the right people around me who help me focus on what I need to focus on. You’ve got to have the mental capacity to be able to want that for yourself and not be complacent. I want that.”

At Hawks Media Day, I asked Jalen Johnson if he had time to reflect on the playoffs:

“The 1st month & half, 2 months after the season…all it was, was film from that Knicks series. Just how I can learn & grow from that. ‘Cause at the end of the day, I want to win championships” pic.twitter.com/wA3vx7fzUQ

— JJ (@JameelahJNBA) September 29, 2026

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There's no doubt that the Knicks' physicality had an effect on not just Johnson, but the rest of the team, and that's something that can help them going into this season.

This will be Johnson's first time coming into the season knowing that he's the No. 1 option on the team, and he handled that well during last season after Trae Young was traded. Johnson has gotten better every year he's been in the league, and the expectation should stay the same this time as well.

The Hawks added some players during the offseason that should complement him well, such as Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, who also have the championship experience they need. In a loaded Eastern Conference, it will be interesting to see how the Hawks fare against other teams this season.