In Tree Young’s absence, Dyson Daniels takes another step forward

Five wins in seven games. This is Atlanta’s best record since the knee injury Trae Youngdied at the very start of the game against Brooklyn.

Among the players who managed to take over by leveling up the game, Dyson Daniels arrives at the head of the procession. At the time of his MVP title, and then the expansion to $100 million, International Australia “takes advantage” of Tree Young’s absence to take a step forward in creation.

More confident and comfortable

Aside from his three-game 18-point streak after Brooklyn, his ability to get others involved has come from his recent performances, like a 13-assist win against the Lakers. For seven matches, he averaged more than seven assists!

“Trae is obviously our driving force. He does a lot for us. Since he’s been in the league, he’s been our offensive powerhouse, and when he’s out, it’s up to others to take over.”, he summarized. “So I’m trying to take responsibility for this role, to be more aggressive, to go forward, to pass the ball to my teammates where they will be effective. Players like Kristaps Porzingis like to receive the ball on the wings, and that’s where I have to try to get it out. I have to try to be more aggressive.”

In his fourth year in the NBA, Dyson Daniels was expected to be an important lieutenant in the Hawks’ system. The vagaries of the season offer him the opportunity to take on new responsibilities.

“I’m definitely feeling better and better on the court. I just seem to see things more clearly, feel more comfortable.” he added. “I’m able to read the game properly and have to stay aggressive, shoot when the opportunity presents itself, and also go to the basket to keep the defense on their toes. I really feel like I’ve improved.”

Advice from Chris Paul

It remains to maintain these standards as long as possible, at least until Tree Young recovers. The challenge is not so simple, and Deason Daniels admits that he may have lacked aggressiveness in the attack, especially during the match won against the Clippers (6 points). A local legend did not fail to point that out to him.

“I got some advice from Chris Paul after the match. He basically told me I was trying too hard not to hit those shots. He told me, ‘You’re trying too hard, you have to earn the trust of your teammates by taking these shots.’ It was pretty cool.”

CP3 was also able to advise him on leadership, which is the other point Deyson Daniels is expected to address, especially after his contract was signed through 2030 less than a month ago.

“I still have a lot to learn in this area, and I will continue to grow. I want to improve as a leader, to express myself more. Yes, I think I have improved, but I have to continue to improve.”

For now, the balance remains good and Atlanta continues to win, like last night in Sacramento, with Dyson Daniels with 5 points, but still with 8 assists.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.