For Hawks fans, this game had everything you could want: star power, big performances, and even a little controversy at the end. Luka Doncic was his usual brilliant self, but Atlanta’s very own Zaccharie Risacher showed flashes of why the Hawks were so excited to draft him — including one defensive moment that fans will be replaying for a long time.
Luka Doncic Does Luka Doncic Things
Let’s start with the obvious: Luka Doncic was spectacular.
- 39 points
- 8 rebounds
- 8 assists
- 34 minutes played (most of anyone on the floor)
Doncic carried Slovenia in every way possible, leading the team in scoring, playmaking, and even fast-break pushes in the first half. Slovenia shot a blistering 52% from the field and 56% from three before halftime, and Luka’s fingerprints were all over it.
The problem? He didn’t get much help. Slovenia turned the ball over 14 times and couldn’t keep up once France turned up the defensive intensity in the second half.
Risacher’s Moment — Locking Up Luka
For Hawks fans, the highlight came late when Zaccharie Risacher — in limited minutes — matched up with Doncic and forced him into a tough fadeaway that ended up as a rare air-ball.
Offensively, Risacher made his presence felt too:
- 12 points in 11 minutes
- 4 made three-pointers
That’s efficiency. That’s confidence. That’s exactly what Hawks fans want to see from their rookie — the ability to make an impact in short bursts and show that he’s unafraid of the moment.
The Chippy Finish — Tournament Rules vs. Unwritten Rules
The ending was wild. France’s Sylvain Francisco, who scored 32 points to lead his team, went up for a layup after Slovenia had essentially conceded with a handshake. Normally, that’s an unwritten “don’t do it” rule in basketball.
But in tournament play, every point matters. Point differential is a tiebreaker, so France wanted to pad the margin. Slovenia didn’t see it that way, and tempers flared. Players, coaches, and referees had to get between the two squads to prevent a fight.
France’s Second-Half Surge
Slovenia led for much of the first half, but France flipped the script:
- Outscored Slovenia in the paint (38 points inside)
- Held them to 44% shooting in the second half
- Forced heavy foul trouble (17 second-half fouls by Slovenia)
France’s defense took over, and their physicality wore down Luka’s supporting cast.
What Risacher Still Needs to Show
As good as Risacher’s shooting and defense were in this one, there’s still room to grow. Right now, he’s averaging about 15 minutes per game in international play. To earn more time, he’ll need to impact the game in more ways than just scoring — rebounding, playmaking, and consistently being active on both ends.
For Hawks fans, though? The flashes are enough to get excited. Watching Risacher hit threes, defend Luka, and play with confidence on the international stage is exactly the kind of development you want heading into the NBA season.
Bottom Line
This wasn’t just another international game — it was a sneak peek into the Hawks’ future. Luka Doncic reminded everyone he’s a superstar, but Zaccharie Risacher gave Atlanta a reason to smile.
If he can build on moments like these, he could be a serious weapon for the Hawks sooner than expected.