Hawks' Backcourt Duo Brings Playoff Experience and Chemistry

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum have been key to Atlanta's late-season surge.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting the abstracted forms of basketball players on a court, with the players and ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Hawks' veteran backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum have developed a strong on-court chemistry that has fueled the team's late-season playoff push.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks have found success late in the season by leaning on their veteran backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum. The two guards bring a combined 14 years of playoff experience to the starting lineup, providing stability and chemistry that has been crucial to the Hawks' push for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Hawks' ability to make a deep postseason run will depend heavily on the leadership and cohesion of their veteran backcourt. Alexander-Walker and McCollum's experience and on-court chemistry could be the difference-maker for an Atlanta team looking to make noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The details

After finding a winning formula in late February, the Hawks made the switch to start Alexander-Walker and McCollum together. The two guards have developed strong chemistry over the last two and a half months, anchoring the starting lineup and providing a steadying presence for the team.

  • The Hawks made the switch to start Alexander-Walker and McCollum together in late February.
  • The two guards have been playing together for the last two and a half months.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A veteran guard with 7 years of NBA experience, known for his playmaking ability and leadership on the court.

CJ McCollum

A veteran guard with 7 years of NBA experience, known for his scoring prowess and playoff experience.

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What they’re saying

“Team basketball in the postseason is how you survive.”

— Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks Guard

The takeaway

The Hawks' late-season surge has been fueled by the veteran leadership and on-court chemistry of their backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum. Their combined playoff experience and ability to play cohesive team basketball will be crucial as Atlanta looks to make a deep postseason run.