Nickeil Alexander Walker could make a good season even greater with this final step

The 2025-26 season was one of many ups and downs for the Atlanta Hawks. One of the most consistent things all throughout the chaotic season was Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s two-way play. 

He surprised the entire league this season with his tremendous scoring leap. It’s rare you see a defensive stalwart go from nine points to 20 points per game while maintaining their defense. Adding his skill set to the rotation completely sent the Hawks over the edge, and now he has a chance to put a stamp on his award-winning season.

Making an already good season even greater 

As the regular season has come to a close, the annual awards will be announced in the coming days, and the betting favorite to win Most Improved Player is none other than Atlanta’s new Canadian. 

His performance during the second half of the season helped the Hawks amass a 20-6 record after the 75th NBA All-Star weekend. In this 26-game span, Walker averaged 22 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.

The most impressive thing about his run has been his efficiency, shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 44 percent from beyond the arc. For someone who wasn’t getting anywhere near his current average of 14.5 field goal attempts per game, his improvements on offense have been an unexpected revelation. 

Earning his new status of a potential two-way star has coincided with a new responsibility as a leader for this young Hawks team. It's one of the many reasons he was signed in the summer of 2025, and with the postseason on the horizon, it’s finally time for the ultimate test.

His performance will be vital as a primary ball handler in the upcoming series vs. the New York Knicks. The feeling of playoff basketball will be all too familiar for the two-time Western Conference Finalist.

The importance of Alexander-Walker's postseason experience

Playing alongside Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards against Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic provided useful data on some of the league’s best players. He even faced his own cousin and league Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous Alexander, losing 4-1 to the reigning champions.

Now, Alexander-Walker has the chance to achieve his own glory, and it begins with getting past the Hawks’ arch nemesis. In their recent meeting, the Knicks defeated the Hawks 108-105 after fourth-quarter heroics from Jalen Brunson.

It was an entertaining final period from both ball clubs, but the two-time NCAA champion took over in the closing minutes. Commentary for the Peacock-exclusive was provided by NBA veterans Brian Scalabrine and Evan Turner, who were thoroughly impressed with every bucket from Brunson. On the other hand, they questioned each other about who should close the game for Atlanta, to which they couldn’t find an answer.

Meanwhile, on the court of the State Farm Arena, Nickeil Alexander-Walker would score 11 points in the fourth quarter, bringing his total to 36 points. He hit a 3-pointer in the clutch to give Atlanta a five-point lead, but NY closed the gap, leading to a game-winning mid-range jumper by their current captain, Jalen Brunson.

Knowing Alexander-Walker, he’ll want to replicate a similar performance against such a formidable opponent. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to, having felt the pressure of the NBA playoffs before. 

Only this time around, he’ll be the closer for a franchise chasing its first championship since 1958. The young core will lean on their 27-year-old veteran to guide them through the uncharted waters of the postseason, forcing the guard to rise to the occasion. 

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