Giddey Leads Bulls Charge, Daniels Shines for Hawks in NBA Action
The NBA delivered two exciting matchups on Tuesday night showcasing the emerging talents of Australian players Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.
Giddey ignited the Chicago Bulls with his first triple-double in a Bulls uniform, pushing them past a struggling Brooklyn Nets side. The talented guard put up an impressive stat line of 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his all-around brilliance.
Giddey’s aggressive approach was evident throughout the game.
"The chemistry is starting to get really good with these guys [and] Giddey now," Bulls analyst Stacey King observed early on. "They’re starting to understand where he’s dribbling the ball [and] where he’s going to pass it — they’re getting their hands ready."
Despite a rough shooting night from beyond the arc (1 for 8), Giddey’s willingness to fire away was encouraging. His desire to create offensive opportunities for his teammates was clear, with several flashy assists leading to easy baskets.
"Giddey always seems to know where [Nikola Vucevic] is on that trail," King noted, highlighting Giddey’s court vision and playmaking ability.
While Giddey showcased his offensive prowess, his defense drew praise from King.
"When he’s doing that, he’s active defensively; (he) stays engaged. You just want him to be solid (defensively), just stay in front of his guy. You’re not asking him to be a lockdown defender, you’re just asking him to be a serviceable defensive player.," King explained.
In a key sequence, Giddey delivered a behind-the-back pass to Vucevic for a three-pointer, forcing the Nets to call a timeout.
Giddey’s performance culminated in a spectacular 10th assist, securing his first triple-double as a Bull.
"A really good all-around game for Josh Giddey," commentator Adam Amin said.
Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels continues to shine for the Atlanta Hawks, this time leading them to victory over his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans. Daniels poured in 19 points, while also grabbing five rebounds, dishing out two assists, and adding four steals and a block.
Daniels etched his name in franchise history, becoming the first Hawk since Doc Rivers in 1989 to record over 60 steals in his first 20 games.
The Hawks, grappling with slow starts, sparked a decisive 8-0 run early on after a shaky opening.
Despite initial injury concerns for Brandon Boston Jr. and Yves Missi, the Pelicans persevered, trading blows with Atlanta throughout the first half. Daniels, after missing his first two three-pointer attempts, stepped up on both ends, capping a strong finish to the half.
He slammed on the gas in the third quarter, pivotal in fueling a key Atlanta comeback that saw them take control of the game. His leadership and on-court tenacity were key factors in the Hawks building a comfortable lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
The Pelicans fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, leaving Atlanta victorious with a final score of 124-112.
Both Giddey and Daniels continue to impress with their growing skills and dedication to their respective teams. Their performances serve as a testament to the growing presence of young Australian talent in the NBA.
