No rookie had exceeded 25 points in a game at the start of the season. This is now done thanks to Zaccharie Risacher (2.05 m, 19 years old), who enforces his rank as first choice in the Draft. But he also signed a complete statistical line, which greatly contributed to his team’s victory.
In the oven and in the mill
Record points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, minutes, shots and three-pointers. That’s what we call a successful evening for Zaccharie Risacher. The former JL Bourg was in difficulty at the start of the season because his shots were not coming in (35.4% on shots, including 23.8% on 3-pointers before last night). But on the advice of the staff, he continued to shoot without losing confidence, until the tide turned. And finally, his day came. This November 6 in the United States marks his real birth certificate in the NBA, with a performance worthy of a first draft choice.
33 points on 11/18 shots (including 6/10 from 3-point range), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 interceptions, 2 blocks and 0 turnovers in 37 minutes. This is the complete stat line for Risacher, who impacted the match in several ways. He had scored eight 3-pointers since the start of the season, in eight games. Tonight, he came close to that total in a single game with six award-winning shots. “I have open shots, my teammates always find me in a good position, then it’s up to me to take the shots…” he indicated at half-time to local TV. It was in particular his interiors who were able to bring out the ball to find him, often open to 3-pointers in the corners. On the other side of the field, the former protégé of Frédéric Fauthoux was also particularly active, causing opposing ball losses which led to numerous counterattacks from the Hawks.
Zaccharie Risacher has 27 PTS (6/8 3PT) in 23 MINS so far!
His previous career high was 17 PTS and he had a total of 8 3PT in his first 8 games. pic.twitter.com/zLHIFKSzBF
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 7, 2024
“I feel more and more comfortable. But as I said before, I have great teammates who do their best to put me in the right conditions, to give me confidence… It’s a dream come true. I’ve worked my whole life to be here, so I’m living my dream. And I’m ready to do even more. »
Zaccharie Risacher on local radio
A match at full speed, beneficial for Risacher
Two three-pointers, then two dunks in his first ten minutes: Risacher started his match with a bang. With 22 points at halftime, he had already broken his previous NBA record dating from last week (17 points). Enough to allow the Hawks to take a four-point lead (65-61, 24′), facing a Knicks team which is nevertheless one of the candidates for the title. Returning from the locker room, the Frenchman continued his momentum. Often left open by the unsuspecting opposing defense, he continued to grab points, while his teammates began to take over from him (23 points and 10 assists for Trae Young23 points and 15 rebounds for Jalen Johnson). Despite everything, the Knicks came back to score and even went ahead (105-110, 45′), notably under the impetus of a Karl-Anthony Towns gala performance (34 points, 16 rebounds).
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But pushed by an electric crowd, the Atlanta players came back to score in the money-time. Risacher notably scored five points in the last two minutes, including the last two free throws to seal the victory (121-116). “We played hard, that’s why we managed to come back. We made the defensive stops then we ran” he explained. A style of play that suits the former Burgien perfectly, who has always been very good in transition. The Hawks have finally found their identity, and that’s a good sign for the future. Still handicapped by injuries, they moved up to sixth place in the East with 4 wins for 5 defeats. Concerning Risacher, we will have to see if the return from injury of the starting winger DeAndre Hunter means a return to the bench. With his performance last night, he could have scored points in the coach’s heart Quin Snyder to avoid this scenario.
Note that the other Frenchman Pacôme Dadiet (2.03 m, 19 years old), who has only played 23 minutes this season, did not come into play.
“Hope these NY fans find their way to the exit real real quick… boo take y’all ass home” 😂😅
Trae talking smack to Knicks fans after dropping 23 PTS 10 AST and getting the W 👀 pic.twitter.com/jt2hUQqKX8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 7, 2024
