French basketball prodigy Zaccharie Risacher made headlines in his ninth NBA game, scoring 33 points and leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 121-116 victory over the New York Knicks. The 19-year-old surpassed his previous record of 17 points, showcasing his skills with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their undefeated streak under new coach Kenny Atkinson, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122. LeBron James shone for the Los Angeles Lakers with 39 points despite their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The San Antonio Spurs struggled against the Houston Rockets, with Victor Wembanyama having a quiet night. Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 118-112 win over the Boston Celtics, marking a strong season start for the Warriors.
Risacher Shines Bright
In an impressive display, French basketball sensation Zaccharie Risacher, the top draft pick from June, made a significant impact during his 9th NBA game. He scored an astounding 33 points (11/18 shooting, including 6/10 from beyond the arc) leading the Atlanta Hawks to a thrilling victory over the New York Knicks with a final score of 121-116.
The 19-year-old Risacher shattered his previous scoring record of 17 points, which he set on October 30, by hitting the halftime mark with 22 points. His final tally included not just his points but also 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, marking an exceptional all-around performance for a rookie.
Originally hailing from Bourg-en-Bresse and the son of former international player Stéphane Risacher, the young talent showcased his skill set with impressive shooting accuracy and defensive prowess in 37 minutes of play, his longest stint yet.
Cleveland Stays Undefeated
The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic start, claiming their 9th consecutive victory against the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 131-122, thanks in part to Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points.
Under the guidance of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who previously assisted the French national team during the Olympics, the Cavaliers are enjoying their best start to a season ever. Atkinson, who once led the Brooklyn Nets, is setting records as the new coach with the best start in league history.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced their first defeat against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, falling short with a score of 124-122. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up strong performances, but could not fend off Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook in the closing moments of the game.
LeBron James’ Stellar Performance
Despite the absence of injured center Anthony Davis, LeBron James proved he still has it at 39 years old, delivering a stunning performance with 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Los Angeles Lakers could not capitalize on his effort, losing 131-114 and leaving them with a disappointing record of 4 wins and 4 losses.
Wembanyama’s Quiet Night
The San Antonio Spurs struggled in Houston, losing to the Rockets 127-100. Without coach Gregg Popovich and key players like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan, the team faced challenges throughout the game. Victor Wembanyama had a relatively low-key night, scoring 15 points on 6 of 14 shooting, along with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.
In limited playing time, Sidy Cissoko also made his mark with 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 8 minutes on the court.
Curry Leads Warriors to Victory
Stephen Curry was in top form for the Golden State Warriors, contributing 27 points (4 of 9 from three-point range), 7 rebounds, and 9 assists in a nail-biting match against the Boston Celtics, resulting in a 118-112 win. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points, but they suffered their first regulation loss of the season after a previous overtime defeat to Indiana.
The Warriors are experiencing a remarkable turnaround this season, boasting 7 wins and just one loss, a remarkable feat considering their recent playoff struggles.
Results from the night:
Dallas – Chicago 119 – 99
Atlanta – New York 121 – 116
Boston – Golden State 112 – 118
LA Clippers – Philadelphia 110 – 98
Sacramento – Toronto 122 – 107
Denver – Oklahoma City 124 – 122
Phoenix – Miami 115 – 112
Houston – San Antonio 127 – 100
Memphis – LA Lakers 131 – 114
New Orleans – Cleveland 122 – 131
Charlotte – Detroit 108 – 107
Indiana – Orlando 118 – 111
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