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Hawks’ No. 1 Pick Sees Quality Play Against OKC Thunder
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Hawks’ No. 1 Pick Sees Quality Play Against OKC Thunder

Even in a reportedly underdrafted class, the NBA’s top pick is often a highly anticipated watch.

Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher currently holds that title and was a surprise selection by Atlanta late this cycle.

However, Risacher did not impress much in his first two matches. He scored just 12 points on 12 shots against the Nets and Hornets and shot 25% from 3-point range in each game. The games weren’t entirely discouraging, but more was expected from the league’s top pick.

But in Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City, Risacher came to play.

During 27 minutes, in which he was in the starting lineup for the first time due to DeAndre Hunter’s knee injury, he scored an effective 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting, added six rebounds, two assists, and a steal and block each.

His three-point shooting still wasn’t stellar, just 0-for-2, but that’s much better considering his background as a sniper.

Perhaps most importantly, Risacher was heavily active on defense, moving around and guarding numerous OKC players. He went after Jalen Williams at the point of attack, tackled Ousmane Dieng, and returned to help with determination.

It was certainly an encouraging showing for Risacher, who has had ample time to develop into the two-way wing Atlanta has been missing alongside star Trae Young.

The undefeated Thunder finally pulled off a double-digit win. Atlanta returns to the field on Wednesday, October 30, with an away game against the winless Wizards.

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