The Atlanta Hawks have enjoyed a successful week, recently securing a notable victory against the defending champion Boston Celtics in an initial matchup of the NBA Cup. Following this victory, the Hawks continued their strong performance in the tournament by defeating the Washington Wizards with a score of 124-110. This result marks the Hawks' second consecutive win in the tournament, positioning them favorably for advancement to the knockout stage. Additionally, this matchup was significant as it represented Atlanta's first victory over Washington in three encounters.
The game also featured a close look at two of the top prospects expected to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft: Zaccharie Risacher of the Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Wizards. Risacher contributed 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists during his 27 minutes on the court, although his shooting was less than optimal, finishing 4-of-12 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Sarr delivered a more robust performance, amassing 20 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and two assists.
However, the standout player of the day was Atlanta guard Dyson Daniels, who recorded an impressive 25 points along with six steals, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, achieving an efficient shooting percentage of 71%. Daniels' performance drew significant praise from fans on social media, particularly as he has compiled a remarkable total of 28 steals over his last five games, a figure that surpasses any other player in the league who has not exceeded 25 steals for the entire season. His continued excellence on both ends of the floor has sparked discussions around his potential impact on the league, as he becomes only the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 15 or more points and five or more steals in four consecutive games, a feat last accomplished by Michael Jordan in the 1990 season.
