Headline: Rising Star Risacher Shatters Career High in Hawks Victory; Aldama Calls for Team Cohesion After Grizzlies Setback

Shortly after achieving a career-high of 36 points, Zaccharie Risacher raised his record to 38, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 133-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Thursday.

In a crucial matchup for the upcoming 2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, the 20-year-old French forward shot impressively, going 15-for-20 from the field, including six successful three-pointers. His nearly 35-minute performance also included four rebounds, two steals, two assists, and one block. Off the bench, Czech player Vit Krejci made all three of his shots for nine points, accompanied by two assists and two rebounds. Swiss center Clint Capela remained unavailable due to a sprain in his left fourth metacarpal ligament.

Under the guidance of Spanish coach Jordi Fernandez, British player Tosan Evbuomwan contributed 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting. The 24-year-old combo forward also recorded six rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal in just under 28 minutes of play. As the 2024-25 Regular Season wraps up, the Nets are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and the New York Knicks on Sunday.

In another game, the Minnesota Timberwolves scored an impressive 52 points in the third quarter to secure a 141-125 win against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Anthony Edwards had a standout game with 44 points, while Rudy Gobert from France added 13 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from inside the arc, along with eight rebounds and four assists. Luka Garza from Bosnia did not see action, and Dutch player Jesse Edwards did not dress for the game.

Spanish player Santi Aldama reflected on his team’s struggles after dropping to seventh place in the Western Conference, stating, “We talk about trust, but it is challenging to trust when you aren’t aware of your teammate’s position. We must work together.” Aldama contributed five points, five assists, and four rebounds for the team led by Finnish coach Tuomas Iisalo.

A late comeback by the Detroit Pistons led to a 115-106 win over the Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. German Dennis Schroder contributed eight points, two rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Italian player Simone Fontecchio managed only one rebound, while Swedish player Bobi Klintman did not participate in the game.

On the other side, French player Pacome Dadiet remained on the bench alongside British player O.G. Anunoby, who is recovering from a right thumb sprain, and Ariel Hukporti, who is recovering from left knee surgery.

Game Results:
– Detroit Pistons 115, New York Knicks 106
– Indiana Pacers 114, Cleveland Cavaliers 112
– Brooklyn Nets 109, Atlanta Hawks 133
– Milwaukee Bucks 136, New Orleans Pelicans 111
– Memphis Grizzlies 125, Minnesota Timberwolves 141

Current Standings:
1. p-Cleveland Cavaliers 63-17
2. p-Boston Celtics 59-21
3. p-New York Knicks 50-30
4. p-Indiana Pacers 49-31
5. p-Milwaukee Bucks 46-34
6. p-Detroit Pistons 44-36
7. Orlando Magic 40-40
8. Atlanta Hawks 38-42
9. Chicago Bulls 37-43
10. Miami Heat 36-44
11. e-Toronto Raptors 30-50
12. e-Brooklyn Nets 26-54
13. e-Philadelphia 76ers 24-56
14. e-Charlotte Hornets 19-61
15. e-Washington Wizards 17-63

1. p-Oklahoma City Thunder 66-14
2. p-Houston Rockets 52-28
3. p-Los Angeles Lakers 49-31
4. Denver Nuggets 48-32
5. Los Angeles Clippers 48-32
6. Golden State Warriors 47-33
7. Memphis Grizzlies 47-33
8. Minnesota Timberwolves 47-33
9. Sacramento Kings 39-41
10. Dallas Mavericks 38-42
11. e-Phoenix Suns 35-45
12. e-Portland Trail Blazers 35-45
13. e-San Antonio Spurs 33-47
14. e-New Orleans Pelicans 21-59
15. e-Utah Jazz 17-63

*Note*: The top six teams in each conference secure a spot in the Playoffs, while the teams ranked seventh through tenth progress to the Play-In Tournament.