Dyson Daniels' breakout season solidifies defensive reputation

In the wake of the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this past offseason, Dyson Daniels has quickly emerged as one of the NBA's most compelling young talents. Now thriving with the Atlanta Hawks, the 21-year-old Australian is making waves in his breakout season.

For the first time in his career, he has earned a starting role and wasted no time establishing himself as a premier defensive force. Leading the league with an average of 3.0 steals per game, Daniels has recorded a staggering 74 total steals, far outpacing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams, who sits in second place with 50.

Daniels' defensive exploits have not gone unnoticed. In November, he became the first player since Michael Jordan in the 1989-90 season to tally 15 or more points and five or more steals in four consecutive games. 

The young guard also matched NBA legend Alvin Robertson’s record by logging six or more steals in four straight contests, further cementing his elite defensive standing.

These performances earned Daniels the inaugural Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month award for October and November. During this stretch, he led the league in total steals (64) and deflections (135), underlining his relentless defensive activity.

In individual games, the 6-foot-7 guard has reached six or more steals on four occasions this season, highlighted by a seven-steal performance against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 8. In that game, he also scored 18 points, including two three-pointers, showcasing his growing offensive contributions, too.

Statistically, Daniels is enjoying career highs across the board, averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 34 minutes per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field. 

These numbers reflect his emerging two-way impact as he continues to develop into a key contributor for the Hawks. For Daniels, the move to Atlanta has provided a much-needed reset.

"I think coming here to Atlanta is like a fresh start for me," Daniels said on "The Young Man and the Three" podcast. "In New Orleans, I had so much stuff built up in me mentally and physically. I was scared to do anything, and this year, I just – I play free. I'm being myself. I'm going out there, making plays."

The fresh environment and renewed confidence have paid dividends for both Daniels and the Hawks, who have won seven of their last nine games after a sluggish start to the season. Atlanta currently holds a 14-13 record, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference and gaining momentum.

Daniels’ defensive contributions have been crucial in matchups against some of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Over two games against the New York Knicks, he limited Jalen Brunson to just 6-of-17 shooting from the field and 2-of-8 from beyond the arc. 

Similarly, in two contests against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta's defensive star held Donovan Mitchell to just 28.6 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from three-point range.

Even in single-game matchups, Daniels has shown the ability to slow elite players like Kyrie Irving and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, proving his value as a defensive anchor against the NBA’s best offensive talents.

As the season progresses, Daniels continues to validate his status as a top-10 draft pick, showcasing the defensive prowess and versatility that have made him a cornerstone of Atlanta’s roster. 

With his combination of skill, effort and newfound freedom, he is poised to help lead the Hawks on their upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference.