Finding a flaw in Nickeil Alexander-Walker's game this season would be a difficult task. He has stepped into his new role with ease, becoming a crucial part of Atlanta's successful scheme on both ends of the floor.
This was not what was necessarily expected when General Manager Onsi Saleh signed him to a 4-year, $62 million deal in the offseason. While the Hawks knew they were adding a defensive ace with valuable playoff experience, his offensive output has defined his first month as an Atlanta Hawk.
Alexander-Walker has always been a solid offensive player, but not somebody who a team could rely on when they desperately need a bucket. Whether early in the game or in the final minutes of a close one, Nickeil's ability to get a bucket against a tough defender this season has been remarkable.
Heading into Thursday night's road game against the San Antonio Spurs, Alexander-Walker was averaging 18.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in just over 30 minutes a night. His point and assist averages would be career-highs if the season ended today.
Even his field goal percentage has been solid. While 44.2% from the floor may not stand out as elite efficiency, this would be the second-best shooting season of NAW's career. This becomes much more impressive when considering that he is doing this on unexpectedly high volume.
Despite the heroics, one category has held NAW back this season.
As mentioned previously, finding a single flaw in Alexander-Walker's game this season is tricky. He has been killing it on both ends of the floor, providing a real boost for Atlanta when they have needed him most. His outside shooting, however, has been down.
Before Thursday night's matchup, Nickeil was shooting just 30.0% from beyond the arc, a career low in that department. This could have been because of the volume, but regardless, he now seems to have defeated whatever was holding him back.
In the game against the San Antonio Spurs, Alexander-Walker absolutely lit it up. He set a new career-high in points with 38, while knocking down 8 of his 10 three-point attempts. Along with the stellar scoring production, he added 4 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing his all-around impact.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has a new career-high of 38 points.
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) November 21, 2025
He’s hit 8 threes.
This was a real breakout performance for someone who had been struggling with his outside shot. Now on the season, NAW is averaging 19.7 points with a much improved 35.6% from deep. The veteran guard has played for three other franchises, but if he continues to score the ball like this all season, Atlanta could end up as his long-term home.