Nickeil Alexander-Walker's dominance over rival has helped flip the Hawks' season

Nickeil Alexander-Walker's breakout seventh campaign isn't slowing down.

That's what's confirmed this year to be no fluke. His full-season emergence as a two-way star, with career-high averages in every major statistical category, has transformed the outlook of this Hawks team in both the immediate and long-term future.

Every star has their opponent, and every team has their kryptonite. It's a game of favorites. If a player continues his dominance over a specific ball club despite constant roster overhaul, it only proves one thing: they own them.

Well, that appears to be the case with Alexander-Walker and the Orlando Magic. The veteran guard has their number. He's the King of Orlando. It doesn't quite roll off the tongue like Trae Young's King of New York tag does, but its accuracy gives it the validity necessary to stick.

The numbers back it up, too. In four games against the Orlando Magic this season, NAW's averaging an outstanding 28 points, 3.5 rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 56.1 percent from the field, including 47.4 percent from three.

Incredible numbers on incredible efficiency; could it get much better? A look at the record might just give it that boost. Those four games? All wins. The Hawks are 4-0 against the Magic this season, and Nickeil's been the main reason why.

Dominating the Magic isn't a new thing for NAW, either.

This has been a major theme as his career has progressed. Something about playing against the squad in blue and white brings out the best in the veteran guard. No matter what uniform he's in, he makes sure to go all out whenever facing his biggest foes.

He's faced off against Orlando 12 times in his career, coming away victorious in nine of them. He lost to them twice in the 2020-21 season as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, but has gone 9-1 since.

So, regardless of what role he's in on whatever team he's on, one thing remains consistent: Nickeil Alexander-Walker loves playing the Orlando Magic. Is it love, though, or is it purely out of resentment?

Orlando shouldn't feel too down on themselves, as it's not just them who NAW's torching. On the season, he's averaging 20.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, likely taking home this year's Most Improved Player award.

It's unlikely the Hawks will face the Magic in the 2026 postseason, but if, for some reason, the fate of both franchises aligns, Atlanta should be in good shape thanks to their breakout star.