Dyson Daniels is making waves in the NBA—not just with his scoring or playmaking, but through his relentless and disruptive defence. The Atlanta Hawks guard is currently ranked second in the NBA for steals, averaging 2.4 per game, and leads the league in deflections, making him a constant threat to opposing offences and a valuable asset for his team. This defensive prowess has been instrumental in the Hawks’ strong performances, including their 121-116 win over the New York Knicks today.
In today’s game against the Knicks, Daniels’ impact was evident as he locked down All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, holding him to 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting and limiting his attempts in the critical moments of the fourth quarter.
“It was good fun going against a guy like him. He’s super crafty, so just trying to make it tough on him all night. Pick him up a little bit, stay down on his shot fakes … The game plan was to try and make it a tough one for him tonight.” Daniels told The Sporting News post game.
While Daniels has quickly become known for his defensive skill, he’s also working to make an offensive impact. In a recent game against his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, Daniels put up 16 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 25 minutes—showcasing his growing confidence on the offensive end. Notably, this performance came after Daniels returned from a brief two-game absence due to a right hip flexor strain.
After drilling a three-pointer in front of the Pelicans’ bench, Daniels added some extra flair by turning to them and letting them know he was there to compete.
“Obviously, I had this game circled on the calendar. I wanted to come in and make a statement … I had a few of the boys on the bench talking some trash, so I had to let them know with the celebration,” he admitted to ESPN.
Daniels’ performance on both ends of the floor is bolstered by the trust and freedom he’s been granted by Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.
“I have a lot of freedom on the defensive end. As a defender, I probably gamble a little too much, but if you come up with the ball, then it doesn’t matter — it’s going to work.” He emphasised that he’s focused on leading the team’s defence from the point of attack, a role that has allowed him to flourish and gain recognition for his relentless pursuit of the ball.” said Daniels.
Daniels’ defensive stats underscore his aspirations for greater recognition. Leading the league in deflections and ranking among the top in steals per game, he has put himself in the conversation for All-Defensive honours. His goal of being named to the All-Defensive First Team is ambitious, but he believes that his role on a strong defensive unit will support his case. With Hawks starting shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanović sidelined with a hamstring injury, Daniels will continue to see ample playing time, allowing him to further showcase his abilities on both ends of the court.
“Obviously, it’s a goal of mine to be First Team All-Defense,” he shared. “I know on the defensive end I’m going to make life tough for people … but I think the Defensive Player of the Year award or All-Defensive teams, that depends on your team as well. If your team’s not a good defensive team, then you’re probably not going to make it.” said Daniels.