Players aren't defined by their slow starts. It happens to the best of the best. Each games brings a different adjustment period, and all that truly matters is how those with the most responsibility answer to it.
A player of Nickeil Alexander-Walker's caliber starting a night slowly isn't determined on a similar scale to most of the league. As one of his team's key offensive contributors, he's bound to showcase poor efficiency or lack of ball control every now and then.
While it's still technically the NBA offseason, Atlanta's lead guard is currently suiting up for his home country. Canada recently came away with an important victory over Argentina, and the way Alexander-Walker responded to early adversity - getting his team all on the same page after a slump - is something Hawks fans have quickly grown familiar with.
NAW is proving to be a leader - through and through
That first quarter against Argentina was indeed rough.
While Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort - another Atlanta Hawk repping Canada - were connecting on their looks, they were unable to contain their opponent's offensive attack. Their shot-making was incredible. The game was at serious risk of slipping away, which would've crushed a lot of the momentum Canada's built.
Alexander-Walker, amidst a 13-0 Argentina run, committed three early turnovers to just two assists. He was making some quality reads, but was struggling to run the offense as a whole.
As soon as their run peaked at 13, though, NAW got it together, and made sure his team was right there with him.
A series of buckets in immediate response, capped off by a steal and slam from Alexander-Walker, cut the Argentina lead to just five. They were right back in it after a near-nightmare beginning.
What followed the conclusion of the first quarter, however, was what really turned the tables.
Nickeil was very vocal on the bench, trying to will his team back
This guy doesn't like losing. Clearly.
Known for his clutch shot-making and ability to take control of a game late, it was actually how he responded in the immediate aftermath of a less-than ideal first frame that willed Canada to an important victory.
He was seen on the bench speaking passionately about something they clearly needed to improve on. A simple watch of that first quarter would point to many things he could've been discussing.
Whatever it was - whether it was their lack of cohesion defensively, sloppy turnovers or difficult shot-selection - was seemingly solved as the game went on.
Teams need vocal leaders who aren't afraid to make a crucial statement when things aren't going well. Hawks fans should be thrilled to have him in the locker room going forward.
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