Inspired by family sacrifice, Nickeil Alexander-Walker fuels his explosive scoring streak, transforming the Hawks' season with undeniable dedication.
The Atlanta Hawks are rolling post All-Star break, and a lot of the winning ways can be credited to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is averaging just under 24 points per game since March 1.
Because the Hawks have won 14 of their last 15 games, some of the national spotlight is starting to shine on these Hawks players, including Alexander-Walker.
Recently, during a media session, Alexander-Walker revealed where he gets his motivation and work ethic from:
"Seeing my mom work two jobs and want to provide and give me a life that didn't make me feel like I was wanting for anything. ... My grandmother worked up until the age of retirement, and to see her work consistently every day. I never seen her call in sick, I never seen her miss a day, take a vacation even."
That strong work ethic has certainly shown on the court, as Alexander-Walker rarely takes a night off, and it's led to larger opportunities to shoot the ball and show the NBA he's a real scoring threat in this league.
Alexander-Walker is averaging 20.4 points, which is by far a career-best mark, over 70 games played, and on 45% shooting. NAW is also making 39% of his 3-point attempts. He's also seen a big increase in average field goals attempted per game (15.3).
Before the 2025-26 season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker had consecutive seasons where he appeared in all 82 games.
He won't reach that mark this year, as there are only nine games left on the Hawks' schedule, but playing in 79 games in your first season in Atlanta isn't too shabby, and then, coupled with the high level of production, the Hawks bet on NAW, and Alexander-Walker bet on himself, and it paid off for both sides.
Alexander-Walker should be a frontrunner for Most Improved Player this season and considered for a contract extension after the season.
