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Australian rookie Dyson Daniels has put up the best numbers of his young NBA career, helping New Orleans to a thrilling 113-111 home win over Western Conference rivals Dallas.
After just three minutes in his debut against the Brooklyn Nets on opening day, and then watching the next two matches entirely from the bench, the 19-year-old Victorian enjoyed 22 minutes on court with the Pelicans missing starters Zion Williamson (hip), Herb Jones (knee) and Brandon Ingram (concussion) through injury.
Daniels, the 2022 No.8 draft pick, stepped up on Tuesday night and had 11 points, three rebounds and two assists as the Pelicans improved to 3-1.
With a wingspan of nearly seven feet, the Aussie was a handful for the Mavs’ offence, also posting three steals – more than any other player on court – and a block.
Daniels was one of eight Pels players to score double figures, led by Trey Murphy III with 22 points, while Dallas superstar Luka Doncic had a game-high 37 points to go with 11 boards and seven assists.
Slovenian Doncic missed a long game-winning three with time expiring and the Mavericks fell to 1-2.
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He stripped the ball from Doncic twice in an impressive performance which had the Pelicans camp singing his praises.
“I was at Rice University when I was 19. I promise you I wasn’t guarding anybody in the NBA,” forward Trey Murphy said.
“It just shows how advanced he is and I’m super proud of him in the minutes he contributed.”
Dyson Daniels steals the ball from Luka Doncic. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans coach Willie Green compared Daniels to last year’s rookie breakout star Herb Jones for the all-round attributes he brings to the floor.
“It’s impressive. Him and Herb they sort of have the same kind of demeanour. They’re tough, they’re quiet, but there is some inner strength within him. His approach every day is the same. He comes in early, he gets his work in, and he doesn’t back down and I think we saw a bit of that tonight.”
Aussie Josh Green chipped in with one bucket and two rebounds in his almost 14 minutes for Dallas, while compatriot Josh Giddey failed to get on court for Oklahoma City’s first win of the season.
The ankle injury he suffered in the Thunder’s last start forced Giddey to watch on as OKC beat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-94.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey’s partner-in-crime in the backcourt, posted game-high numbers in both points (33) and assists (eight).
Elsewhere, the Washington Wizards made home court advantage count, thumping the Detroit Pistons 120-99.
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