Overview
- McCollum entered the starting group against the Nets, moving 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the bench for the first time in his career.
- Atlanta rallied to beat Brooklyn 115–104 to reach 28–31, with McCollum posting 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists and Risacher scoring seven as a reserve.
- Snyder pointed to analytics, noting the McCollum–Johnson–Daniels–Alexander‑Walker–Okongwu unit carried a +18.7 point differential entering the game and that its closing version rates about 10 points better than other combinations.
- The coach framed the adjustment as developmental for Risacher, saying different matchups could help him relax and emphasizing continued belief in his progress.
- McCollum said he will fill any role and referenced his 840 career games, as the post–Trae Young offense redistributes creation to Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson.