Hawks Notes: Kuminga shines in debut, Young returns, Johnson exits early

Jonathan Kuminga couldn’t have asked for a much better first impression. Making his Hawks debut Tuesday night, Kuminga came off the bench to score 27 points in 24 minutes, shooting 9-of-12 from the floor while adding seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

As Paul Newberry of The Associated Press noted, Atlanta outscored Washington by 16 points with Kuminga on the court in a 119-98 win.

Head coach Quin Snyder praised Kuminga’s approach, citing his willingness to share the ball and let the game develop. “A lot of maturity,” Snyder said.

• Kuminga, whose debut had been delayed by a left knee bone bruise, said the adjustment process has been straightforward. “It’s basketball at the end of the day,” he said, per Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Kuminga added that he’s leaned on teammates Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, asking questions and trying to absorb as much as possible as he settles in with his new team.

• Before tipoff, much of the attention centered on Trae Young’s return to Atlanta. Though Young has yet to make his Wizards debut due to knee and quad issues, he was on Washington’s bench and became emotional when the Hawks played a tribute video during the second quarter. Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported that Young addressed the crowd afterward, thanking fans for their support throughout his time in Atlanta. “I’ve got so much love for this city and these fans,” Young said.

• The win wasn’t entirely perfect for Atlanta. Johnson exited in the first quarter with a left hip flexor injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Snyder said there was “enough there not to send him back in,” per ESPN, though it remains unclear whether the injury will cost Johnson additional time.