Zaccharie Risacher Ignites Hawks with Career-High 38-Point Explosion Against Nets

Rookie sensation Zaccharie Risacher delivered a jaw-dropping performance Thursday night, dropping a career-high 38 points to power the Atlanta Hawks to a dominant 133-109 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft showcased his electrifying potential, shooting a blistering 15-of-20 from the field and 6-of-11 from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in just 35 minutes.

A Star in the Making Risacher, the 20-year-old French forward, eclipsed his previous career-best of 36 points (set March 30 against Milwaukee) with a masterclass in efficiency. His 38-point outburst marked his fourth 30+ point game of the season—the most among all rookies—and further solidified his case for Rookie of the Year honors. The Hawks never trailed, with Risacher pouring in 23 first-half points to help build a 24-point halftime lead.

Teammates Trae Young (24 points, 12 assists) and Dyson Daniels (near-triple-double with 10 points, nine assists, nine rebounds) provided ample support, but the night belonged to Risacher. "He was precise everywhere—inside, outside, defensively," said one analyst after the game.

From Draft Night to Breakout Star Selected first overall in June 2024, Risacher joined elite company as the second consecutive French No. 1 pick after Victor Wembanyama. While his early-season averages (11.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG) were modest, his recent surge—including a 33-point game against the Knicks in November—hints at his ascending trajectory. The Hawks, who defied 3% lottery odds to land the top pick, now see him as a cornerstone alongside Young and Dejounte Murray.

Playoff Implications The win moved Atlanta to 38-42, positioning them to clinch the East’s No. 8 seed with a victory over Philadelphia. With the playoffs looming, Risacher’s emergence couldn’t be timelier. "He’s not just a rookie anymore," remarked a teammate postgame.

As the Hawks gear up for their first postseason stint with Risacher, one thing is clear: the French phenom is just getting started.