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Zaccharie Risacher’s rookie season is one for the history books
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Zaccharie Risacher’s rookie season is one for the history books

Zaccharie Risacher hasn’t been the flashiest name in his rookie class, but his steady progress and consistent performances have made him one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA. 

While he’s largely flown under the radar, Sunday night was another reminder of why he was the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Facing the Milwaukee Bucks, the French forward delivered a career-high 36 points, draining five three-pointers to help lead the Atlanta Hawks to victory. He also contributed six rebounds and a steal, finishing 12-of-21 from the field in a statement performance.

According to StatMamba, the 19-year-old now holds the record for the most games by a teenager with at least 30 points and five three-pointers made — a remarkable feat that highlights his growing offensive impact.

Risacher’s shooting has been a key factor in his development. Through February, he connected on 44 percent of his three-point attempts, and in March, his scoring has climbed to 16.3 points per game across 14 outings while maintaining a strong 39.3 percent from deep.

Among his rookie peers, Risacher ranks third in scoring through March, while his 33 three-pointers made are also third-best — just one behind Dalton Knecht and Quinten Post, who share the top spot.

All of this production has come in just 27.1 minutes per game, as head coach Quin Snyder has largely kept the rookie out of crunch-time situations. However, Risacher’s two-way versatility has been evident, signaling that the Hawks have a promising young star on their hands. While he may not carry the immediate star power of past No. 1 picks, his development remains on an upward trajectory.

Sunday’s win marked Atlanta’s 36th victory of the season, keeping it in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, two games below .500. The Bucks, holding the sixth seed, sit four games ahead with the regular season winding down. 

While a late push for a full playoff spot remains unlikely, Milwaukee’s four-game skid could open the door for a dramatic finish. If the Hawks can maintain their momentum, a play-in battle featuring the Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat promises to be highly competitive, and Risacher could be a key factor in their postseason hopes.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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