By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Zaccharie Risacher opened up about his declining minutes and the mental toll of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season’s conclusion following his postseason debut with the Atlanta Hawks. Speaking to BeBasket after his side’s losing effort against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday to open a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the 21-year-old French small forward admitted that the situation is difficult to manage.
“You can’t let yourself get down by things you can’t control. Of course, you can imagine it’s not an easy situation to manage. But here I am, still here, even more motivated, I’d say. I have to try to turn this to my advantage. Obviously, it’s tough, but I’m trying to make it a strength,” Risacher described his approach to the current situation with the team coached by Quin Snyder.
For the top pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, staying ready remains a professional requirement. “The goal is to stay prepared no matter what. Since the beginning of the year, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I try not to overthink things, because otherwise I simply won’t be able to cope. It’s part of the job to be professional and able to meet demands at any time, in any situation, and to do the best you can,” he explained.
This mindset was put to the test during his first playoff appearance. Entering the game in the first quarter, Risacher played just two minutes and thirty seconds, grabbing four rebounds but going 0-of-3 from the field before remaining on the bench the rest of the way.
“Honestly, it’s kind of a childhood dream come true, right? So let’s not kid ourselves, there was a lot of excitement,” he reflected on the unique intensity of the postseason. “It’s the Playoffs, it’s a different energy. Coming off the bench, I try to match that energy, to do everything I can to contribute. The goal was still to be intense, to play smart.”
Despite limited action, Risacher remained focused on the road ahead. “Unfortunately, collectively we weren’t able to be ourselves throughout the entire game. But that’s it, it doesn’t end with this game. We’re focused, we’re quickly looking ahead, and we’re going to prepare for Game 2,” he added.
His comfort in the hostile New York environment stems from his deep experience in European basketball, having established himself with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and JL Bourg before taking his talents to the league based in North America.
“I’ve always loved those atmospheres, even when you’re on the other side of the team that people are supporting. I played in Europe, against Partizan and Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade, in Athens, Istanbul. These are atmospheres I’ve kept in my mind, and that I absolutely loved. And to be able to experience it in the NBA, in the United States, in an even bigger, even more impactful context during the Playoffs, it’s just amazing,” he noted.
The Hawks, currently trailing 1-0 in the series, have a quick turnaround to regroup before Game 2 returns to Madison Square Garden on Monday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 1-0 (126-113)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-0 (113-102)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (126-115)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-0 (111-98)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions