When rookie Zaccharie Risacher was asked about playing four NBA games in six days, his answer was simple.
“I’m tired.” After having the best game of his young career in the Hawks’ 121-116 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, he certainly earned it. Risacher scored 33 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out three assists, stole the ball three times, and blocked two shots.
His 33 points were the most by a rookie this season, easily surpassing his previous high of 17 points.
The first overall pick has been starting for the past seven games since De’Andre Hunter’s knee injury. So far, his performance has been a mix of good and bad. Before this game, he was shooting just 21.1% from 3-point range and 32.9% from the field. Hawks coach Quin Snyder has encouraged him to keep shooting, no matter the ups and downs.
“He basically tells me to shoot the … ball,” Risacher said. “That’s not just from him. That’s from everybody on the coaching staff and my teammates. It helps with my confidence.”
In the game against the Knicks, Risacher made 6 of 10 3-pointers and shot 11 for 18 from the field. He was especially hot in the first half, hitting 5 of 7 from deep. He also showed his ability to drive to the basket, including a left-handed floater after attacking from the corner.
Risacher also came up big in the final moments, hitting a crucial shot to tie the game at 110-110 with 1:31 left. Trae Young, who was double-teamed near midcourt, passed to Risacher, who cut to the foul line and made a tough shot in the lane.
“We’ve practiced that,” Young said. “He went to the middle. I knew where to find him and he knew to turn around and score if (Karl-Anthony Towns) didn’t step up. And if he did, Clint (Capela) was behind him to catch the lob. Zac made a hell of a play. That was a big possession for us.”
After the game, Coach Snyder said the players were really happy for Risacher in the locker room, understanding how tough it can be to start an NBA career.
“It made me super happy to see how people reacted to me being good,” Risacher said.
Risacher is now leading all rookies with 12 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting to 27%.
“His progress isn’t going to be linear,” Snyder said. “He’s got to stay at it. We have confidence in him whether he makes shots or not. Today, he was really good on the defensive glass as well.”
