Zaccharie Risacher delivered an electric performance, dropping a career-high 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, as the Hawks edged out the Knicks with a 121-116 victory.
Alongside him, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young put in stellar performances as well, combining for 43 additional points to help secure the win for Atlanta.
Risacher’s night was nothing short of sensational, as the young forward showed his full offensive arsenal. From his sharp shooting behind the three-point line to his confident drives to the basket, Risacher kept the Knicks’ defense on its heels all game. His contributions weren’t limited to scoring, though—he also pulled down seven rebounds, playing a pivotal role on both ends of the floor.
The 18-year-old’s performance came at the perfect time for Atlanta. Facing a Knicks team known for its defensive grit, the Hawks needed a spark, and Risacher was more than ready to answer the call. His efficiency was especially impressive, as he shot over 60% from the field and showed poise well beyond his years.
Jalen Johnson also made his presence felt, adding 23 points and leading the Hawks in rebounds with 15. Johnson’s ability to dominate the boards and make plays on offense gave the Hawks a consistent edge throughout the game. His seven assists showcased his versatility, as he set up teammates for easy buckets while shouldering the scoring load.
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Trae Young, known for his playmaking and scoring prowess, contributed 23 points and dished out 10 assists in the win. Young’s playmaking was crucial, as he orchestrated the offense and kept the pace fast, allowing Risacher and Johnson to thrive in transition and half-court sets. His leadership on the court was evident as he made sure his teammates were involved and engaged.
Despite a strong push from the Knicks, Atlanta’s depth and resilience proved too much. The Hawks’ offense, firing on all cylinders, had too many weapons for New York to handle. The Knicks made several runs to keep it close, but each time, Risacher and the Hawks responded with crucial baskets.
Defensively, the Hawks found a way to contain the Knicks’ star players in key moments, allowing them to maintain a slim lead throughout the fourth quarter. Though New York fought back with some clutch shooting of their own, Atlanta’s defense held strong when it mattered most, sealing the game down the stretch.
For the Knicks, this loss highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in defending against versatile scorers like Risacher. Their defense struggled to contain the Hawks’ dynamic trio, and despite a commendable offensive effort, they couldn’t keep up with Atlanta’s balanced attack.
Looking ahead, Risacher’s breakout performance bodes well for the Hawks as they seek to build momentum early in the season. His potential to become a consistent scoring threat adds a new dimension to Atlanta’s offense, giving them another weapon alongside Young and Johnson.
Head coach Quin Snyder praised Risacher’s efforts, noting his maturity and impact on the court. “Zaccharie played with a lot of confidence tonight,” Snyder said. “He’s putting in the work, and it’s paying off. He gave us exactly what we needed.”
The Hawks’ bench also contributed with energy and defense, allowing the starters to stay fresh during critical stretches. It was a full team effort, with each player stepping up when called upon, a promising sign for Atlanta’s depth.
With this win, the Hawks improved their record, showcasing an impressive balance of youth and experience. If Risacher continues to play at this level, Atlanta could be a team to watch in the Eastern Conference as the season unfolds.
