Zaccharie Risacher struggles with shooting but contributes elsewhere in Atlanta’s victory against Utah
NBA - Back for three games after nearly a month out, Zaccharie Risacher is going through a mixed return phase. Struggling with his shooting on Thursday, February 5th against Utah, the French forward nevertheless contributed in other ways to the Atlanta Hawks' victory.
Dec 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Zaccharie Risacher (6’9″, 20 years old) needs to regain his rhythm. In his third game since returning, the 2024 Draft number 1 pick had a difficult shooting night in the Atlanta Hawks‘ victory over the Utah Jazz (121-119). In 19 minutes, the Frenchman missed all eight of his attempts, including four from beyond the arc, but he made an impact elsewhere, particularly on the boards.
An inconsistent return after a month off
Before this game, Zaccharie Risacher was coming off two encouraging statistical performances, scoring 7 points on 3-of-5 and then 3-of-7 shooting in 22 and 23 minutes. On Thursday, the shot did not fall, but the forward made up for it with his energy and involvement. By pulling down six rebounds, he again showed his impact on the glass—something already evident in the previous outing against the Miami Heat (seven rebounds)—a clear sign of steady commitment despite wavering offensive confidence.
0
PTS
6
REB
0
AST
Atlanta pulls it out in dramatic fashion
In a tightly contested finish, Atlanta Hawks sealed the win on a mid-range jumper by Nickeil Alexander-Walker with 1.3 seconds left. New addition Jock Landale stood out with a season-high 29 points, knocking down five three-pointers while adding four blocks and five assists.
AN EPIC FINISH IN ATL!
ACE BAILEY HITS THE GAME-TYING TRIPLE…
NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER FOLLOWS IT UP WITH THE GO-AHEAD JUMPER TO WIN IT FOR THE HAWKS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UqD9Y4J7Ey
— NBA (@NBA) February 6, 2026
Another standout showing came from Jalen Johnson, who posted his third straight triple-double—22 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists—his 10th of the season, a mark topped league-wide only by Nikola Jokić.
For the Utah Jazz, rookie Ace Bailey tied the game at 119–119 with nine seconds remaining, while Isaiah Collier (25 points, 11 assists) and Kyle Filipowski (15 points, 17 rebounds) kept Utah competitive throughout.
Increased competition for Risacher
Beyond this unsuccessful night, the context is not ideal for Risacher. Atlanta strengthened its rotation just before the NBA trade deadline with the arrival of Buddy Hield (6’4″, 33 years old), a wing known for his outside shooting, and Jonathan Kuminga (6’8″, 23 years old), capable of playing positions 3 and 4. Direct competition that could reduce his opportunities, especially in the starting lineup.
Next opportunity to bounce back
The Lyon native will get a quick opportunity to respond. The Atlanta Hawks host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, a confident group riding an eight-game winning streak and featuring Moussa Diabaté. A matchup that could help Zaccharie Risacher rediscover his rhythm and confidence.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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