It's difficult to be excited about a down-to-the-wire victory over an Indiana Pacers team with just six players, but at the end of the day, a win is a win.
A game that was won in large part due to Atlanta's scorching-hot first-half outside shooting, they must regroup in the event that they can't replicate it during their next time out.
There was only one player on Monday night who succeeded to make his impact felt from start to finish. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, once again, saved the day for the Hawks.
Becoming an undeniable trend, Atlanta must learn to not be overly reliant on their star guard, but for now, all they can do is be grateful for his efforts.
Alexander-Walker is the reason the Hawks haven't dug themselves a hole
It seems that every year, Atlanta starts slowly.
They play uninspired basketball for the first few months of the season, and have to catch up after they get some rest at the yearly All-Star break. It happened last season, but the circumstances were much different. They had completely reshaped their roster.
This year's group is wildly familiar with one another. Regardless, the offense has been disappointing. Alexander-Walker, however, has been just fine.
In fact, he looks to have taken his game to another level following a breakout 2025-26 campaign.
Through eight games, Alexander-Walker is averaging north of 21 points, three rebounds and two assists, while shooting over 40% from deep. He's putting up these numbers on career-high volume, as well. That's what happens when a player has to carry an offense on his back.
It doesn't matter if it's sustainable or not. All that goes into consideration is that he's willed Atlanta to a 4-4 record through eight games - a record much better than what they've looked like.
Other guys will begin to contribute more as time passes, giving Alexander-Walker more leeway to make mistakes.
NAW isn't a perfect player, showcased by his late-game shot selection
It's hard to put too much blame on him for Indiana coming back, as he was the biggest reason Atlanta was in front in the first place, but a crucial mistake nearly allowed the Pacers a chance to tie or take the lead.
A contested three, early into the shot clock, with little game clock left, should be the last case scenario. Alexander-Walker is still young. He's developing as a player.
Once everyone is back and connecting as they were predicted to, he shouldn't carry as much offensive burden. He should no longer feel the need to force.
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