In a thrilling display of talent, Atlanta Hawks teammates Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort showcased their skills during the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying match on Monday, leading Canada to a 97-92 victory over Argentina. The duo's impressive performance, combining for a total of 51 points, has drawn attention and excitement from fans and former players alike.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was particularly outstanding, contributing 26 points, along with three rebounds and five assists. His shooting was sharp, hitting 8 of 17 attempts from the field and sinking 4 of 11 from three-point range. Lu Dort was equally impressive, adding 25 points, two rebounds, and two assists to the scoreboard, shooting 8 for 13 overall and 4 for 9 from beyond the arc. Their chemistry on the court is a promising sign for the Hawks as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Former Hawks star Jeff Teague expressed his enthusiasm about the team's prospects this season after witnessing the duo's performance. On the show Club 520, he remarked, "My Hawks gonna be alright this year," indicating his confidence in the team's direction following significant roster changes.
This summer, the Hawks acquired Dort in a trade, allowing him to reunite with Alexander-Walker, who joined Atlanta in the 2025 offseason. Their previous bond as high school teammates is now being strengthened through international play, providing them with an opportunity to develop their on-court synergy further.
Alexander-Walker's inaugural season with the Hawks was nothing short of remarkable. He made a significant leap in his performance, earning Most Improved Player honors. The 27-year-old guard averaged 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 45.9 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point territory. As he approaches his 28th birthday this week, the expectations for him to continue this upward trajectory are high.
Meanwhile, Dort is looking to make a fresh start after a successful stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played a crucial role in their championship run during the 2024-25 season. His strong defensive skills and improvements in shooting helped him earn All-Defensive First Team honors that same year. As he embarks on his debut season with the Hawks, Dort is poised to make a significant impact, contributing both defensively and offensively.
The Atlanta Hawks are currently in a transitional phase, having traded away star guard Trae Young and shifting their focus to star forward Jalen Johnson as the new centerpiece of the franchise. With several new faces joining the team after an eventful offseason, the Hawks aim to build on their previous playoff appearance, where they were the only team to extend their series against the New York Knicks to six games. As the season approaches, the performances of Alexander-Walker and Dort in international play are a promising indication of what fans can expect in the NBA this year.
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