He would undoubtedly have preferred another outcome for his first match as a starter. On the bench at the kick-off of the first two games of the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/omer-faruk-yurtseven-made-a-double-double-in-the-nba-miami-heat-won/" title="Ömer Faruk Yurtseven made a 'double-double' in the NBA, Miami Heat won”>Atlanta Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher was, on the night from Sunday to Monday, in the 5 major of his team which faced Oklahoma City. Unfortunately for the Frenchie, number 1 in the NBA draft in June, his team was clearly beaten by the Thunder (128-104) in this duel between two undefeated franchises in the North American basketball championship.
The last quarter (39-18) was fatal for the Hawks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points for Oklahoma City, well supported by Chet Holmgren (25 pts) and Jalen Williams (20). Ousmane Dieng, the other Frenchman present in this duel, scored five points in eight minutes.
For his part, Zaccharie Risacher, despite this first defeat, honored his presence in the 5 major. The former Bourg-en-Bresse player finished the game with 13 points (6 out of 12 on shots) – his record after scoring 5 and 7 points in previous games -, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and an interception in 27 minutes. The rookie, who was the most prominent Frenchman of the night, seems to be learning quickly. Good news for the Hawks who continue next night with a trip to Washington where Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr play.
In other matches, Nicolas Batum was valuable with 5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists during the Clippers’ victory at Golden State (104-112). A match which ended without Warriors star Stephen Curry who, after putting on a show with actions of which he has the secret, was the victim of an injury to his left ankle in the fourth quarter.
After starting the season with two defeats, Philadelphia, still deprived of Joel Embiid and his rookie Paul George (injured), pocketed its first success by overcoming the Pacers (118-114). Guerschon Yabusele finished the game with 0 points (0 of 4) but 6 rebounds, 4 assists and an interception.
Finally Rayan Rupert took advantage of his 4 minutes on the floor to grab two rebounds and steal two interceptions during Portland’s victory (125-103) against New Orleans.
