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Hawks Star Trae Young Sends Clear Message on Zaccharie Risacher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Malik Brown | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 1:15 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks got a big 145-124 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday and helped them to clinch a Play-In spot as the regular is soon coming to an end. Both teams were trying to find some momentum after losing their previous games, while also trying not to fall in the Eastern Conference standings.

It was obvious that the Hawks wanted it more, and they were able to go on the road and get a win. It was a big night for rookie Zaccharie Risacher, as he finished with 36 points, shooting 12-for-21 from the field and 5-for-11 from the 3-point line.

After the game, Young spoke about Risacher, and had some high praise for his rookie.

"That's the Rookie of the Year. I'm standing next to him," Young said in a postgame interview.

“That’s the Rookie of the Year. I’m standing next to him.” Trae Young@TabTurnerTV1 caught up with Hawks Trae Young and Zaccharie Risacher following the win over the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/uCqYGDFU1Y
— JJ (@JameelahJNBA) March 31, 2025

Risacher is in the conversation for the Rookie of the Year award alongside Stephon Castle and Alex Sarr. Castle seems to be the frontrunner for the award after the season he's having with the San Antonio Spurs, but if Risacher can finish the year off strong, he may make it a tight race.

The Hawks selected Risacher with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he's been getting better every time he steps on the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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