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Giddey and Daniels shine at NBA All-Star weekend

Roar Rookie
19th February, 2022
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Roar Rookie
19th February, 2022
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Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels got their first taste of an NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland today, being among some of the league’s best prospects to play in the new-look Rising Stars game.

The game is the traditional first event of the weekend. The best first- and second-year players participate alongside four players from the NBA G-League Ignite development squad.

Unlike previous years, the tournament was played between four teams of seven players in a knockout format, with the first team to 50 points in the semi-finals advancing to the final. The final two teams play first to 25 for the title.

In honour of the NBA’s 75th anniversary, each team was coached by a former NBA superstar who was named on the list of the NBA’s 75 greatest players.

Giddey was coached by Lakers legend James Worthy, and Daniels was coached by former NBA champion and eight-time All Star Rick Barry. The other coaches were Detroit Pistons champion Isiah Thomas and NBA defensive genius Gary Payton.

Giddey was coming off back-to-back triple doubles, including leading the Thunder to a spectacular come-from-behind victory against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

He slotted in seamlessly alongside fellow stars Jalen Green of the Rockets and Tyrese Maxey from the 76ers.

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Josh Giddey for OKC

(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Having two points, nine rebounds and six assists, Giddey displayed his trademark passing and vision, with a stunning backboard alley-oop to Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony.

Although he missed two clutch free throws late in the game to help Isiah Thomas’ team snatch a late win, Giddey showcased the skills and talent that have had the NBA world drooling over his potential.

Alongside Evan Mobley, he later participated in the Clutch Challenge, in which four teams of two attempted to recreate five iconic NBA shots in 90 seconds.

Although the two knocked down their shots within the time frame required, they were beaten by Desmond Bane and Tyrese Haliburton.

Daniels, despite being only one of four G-League players granted the opportunity to play in the game, belied his age and experience in helping Rick Barry’s team win their first match against Gary Payton’s team, and the final against Thomas’ team.

In a game of dunks, no defence and three pointers, Daniels was unselfish with the ball, looking to pass to more experienced NBA teammates Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham.

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When he had the ball, he ran the floor hard, drawing fouls and finishing at the rim strongly. Although it was an exhibition game, Daniels showed why many have him as a lottery pick selection in the upcoming NBA draft.

Dyson Daniels

(Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Giddey will now look to the skills challenge tomorrow, where he will compete against the Antetokounmpo brothers and a Cleveland Cavaliers team in recognition of the host city alongside Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham.

His participation in two events at All-Star Weekend is a recognition of his precocious talent that has stunned the NBA this year.

Picked at number six by the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft, Giddey has averaged 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, becoming the youngest ever player in the league to score a triple double.

Already a top-ten passer in the league, Giddey will now look to develop a more reliable jump shot and three-pointer in the final quarter of the season.

Meanwhile, Daniels will head back to the G-League, hoping to build towards the draft following this memorable experience.

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Check out Giddey in the NBA skills challenge, and fellow Australian Patty Mills in the NBA three-point contest, from 12:00pm (AEDT) on Sunday, February 20.

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