Australian guard Dyson Daniels is preparing to face Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in an NBA playoff match at Madison Square Garden.
Daniels, known as the “Great Barrier Thief”, is set to play a key role for the Atlanta Hawks in this marquee first-round match-up.
Daniels’ Development Key to Hawks’ Hopes
Daniels, like his team, has experienced a mixed season. However, both Daniels and the Hawks have finished strongly, positioning themselves as a potential dark horse as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Daniels had a taste of the playoffs two years ago with New Orleans. He enters the 2026 post-season as a key protagonist.
“It’s going to be fun, it’s going be a lot, the Garden’s going to be popping,” Daniels says. “But these kinds of opportunities you live for and you dream for, and the only way to prepare for it, really, is to just trust your work, trust yourself.”
Hawks’ Transformation After Trae Young Trade
The Hawks have played into form since trading All-Star guard Trae Young in January. Their improved performance has been led by forward Jalen Johnson and off-season acquisition Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Daniels’ potential to influence a playoff series is significant. He played a prominent role in the team’s 28-win, 15-loss run to close the season.
Daniels recorded a triple double in a win against the formidable Cavaliers a week ago. “There was a point in the season where we were struggling a little bit, we were losing games, but we always believed in each other, we trusted the coaches,” Daniels says.
“We played the same way the whole year, just once we started to gel and the chemistry started to come together, it really started clicking, and guys figured out their roles more and were able to flip the script and get wins going.”
Daniels’ Evolving Role
Daniels received the NBA’s most improved player award last season. This was thanks to his capable offence and relentless defence, but his contribution has since evolved.
Daniels remains the primary defender on the opposition’s point of attack on most nights. The addition of Alexander-Walker has tempered his defensive workload.
Though still second in the league for steals, Daniels’ rate has dropped from three per game to an average of two.
Daniels’ three-point shooting accuracy has decreased from 34% last year to 19% this year. Two months ago, he had more air-balls than makes from outside the arc.
Transition Threat
Those raw numbers belie his steady all-round development, however. He has become a lethal transition player, thanks to his speed, rebounding and inside finishing, and his half-court smarts give the Hawks a flow they otherwise lack.
His two-point field goal percentage is 58%. This is higher than snipers such as Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard – thanks to a large volume of finishes at the rim.
Daniels may not have the touch of the league’s finesse shooters, but he has found a way to contribute on offe