Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Hawks' defensive star emerging as legitimate two-way threat

By Matt Evans | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Dyson Daniels’ defensive dominance has been a defining storyline of the Atlanta Hawks’ season. The 22-year-old guard is experiencing a historic campaign, leading the NBA with a franchise record 217 steals—by far the most in the league—and the highest single-season total since Chris Paul’s 216 in 2008-09.

The Australian now sits just seven steals away from passing Michael Jordan’s 223 from the 1990-91 season, a milestone that would place him in the top 25 all-time for single-season steals. The all-time record belongs to Alvin Robertson, who recorded an astonishing 301 steals in 1985-86.

Whether disrupting passing lanes or applying relentless on-ball pressure, Daniels has cemented himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.

But while his defensive impact has made headlines, his evolution into a two-way force has been just as impressive. Once viewed primarily as a playmaker with limited scoring ability, Daniels has developed into a legitimate offensive weapon.

Dyson 3 for the LEAD pic.twitter.com/qK95NK0rbE
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 3, 2025

Averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game on 49.3 percent shooting, he has expanded his scoring arsenal. His 1.1 made three-pointers per game mark a significant step forward, and he has now recorded twelve 20-point outings this season—including a career-best 28-point performance in a win over the Boston Celtics on Nov. 12.

His offensive strides have been especially evident in recent weeks. He closed out March and opened April with back-to-back 22-point performances against the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers.

On Apr. 2, he followed up with a solid 17-point outing, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and knocking down three three-pointers. Since the All-Star break, Daniels has been shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the arc, further showcasing his offensive growth.

This evolution has transformed Daniels from a defensive specialist into a well-rounded two-way player. His ability to generate turnovers and push the tempo in transition has made him a crucial piece of Atlanta’s game plan.

With his game reaching new heights, Daniels is proving he has the potential to be one of the NBA’s most dynamic two-way guards. If he continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be a defensive ace—he’ll be a player capable of shaping games on both ends for years to come.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports. Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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