Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker shows why he's Most Improved Player vs. Knicks

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 10:26 PM ET

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker inched closer to adding an individual accolade to his resume with a stellar performance in a thriller versus the New York Knicks.

On Monday, the seven-year NBA veteran, in his first season with the Hawks, scored a game-high 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-11 from the three-point line, in a 108-105 loss that almost went to overtime, but CJ McCollum's deep heave beyond half court was waved off after replay showed the ball was still in his hands as the clock hit zero.

Despite Atlanta falling short of victory, Alexander-Walker showed why he's the front-runner to be named the NBA's Most Improved Player thanks to his fantastic effort.

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker bolsters Most Improved Player case with performance versus New York Knicks

Alexander-Walker entered the season averaging 8.6 points per game over the course of his first six years in the league, but is at 20.8 points per game after his latest offensive explosion, when he had 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting at the half.

NAW's breakout campaign continues

First 6 years: 8.6 PPG
This year: 20.6 PPG

Tonight: 20 PTS (7-9 FGM)... at halftime! pic.twitter.com/Amd8uWpOLl
— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2026

Alexander-Walker has been particularly impactful as the Hawks have made their postseason push since mid-February, when the team sat at 27-31.

Since then, Atlanta is 18-3. During that span, Alexander-Walker is averaging 23.2 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 52.9/47.4/94.6 shooting splits.

Oddsmakers have tabbed Alexander-Walker as the favorite in a two-man race for MIP that also includes Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, who is averaging 19.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, up from his 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game over his first three seasons.

Performances like Alexander-Walker's on Monday against the Knicks should make voters' jobs easier. For a career role player, the former No. 17 overall pick in 2019 has become an integral player for one of the league's hottest teams since the All-Star break. Per Stathead, only the Oklahoma City Thunder (20-2) and San Antonio Spurs (21-3) have a better post-ASG record than the Hawks (19-4).

It's been a remarkable, unlikely ascent for Alexander-Walker, the type of season the Most Improved Award is meant to honor.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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