UPDATED: Australian NBA star Dyson Daniels has continued to wow the United States with a career best outing for the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics.
The 21-year-old scored a career high 28 points in Atlanta’s 117-116 victory over the defending champion Celtics on Wednesday (AEDT).
It continues a breakout season for Daniels, who was traded to Atlanta from the New Orleans Pelicans in July and is thriving with extra responsibility.
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“It was a lot of fun last night, going over to Boston, the reigning champs and getting a good win,” Daniels told Nine’s Today on Thursday.
“We’re down a lot of guys so it’s kind of the next man up opportunity for me.”
The Hawks guard swiped six steals in the win to take his season tally to 36.
Next best are Jalen Williams, Jordan Poole and Tari Eason who are all way back with 21.
Daniels’ steals tally is the most in the first 10 games of a season since Philadelphia 76ers icon Allen Iverson in 2003.
Daniels also contributed seven assists and three rebounds in a stunning all-round performance against Boston.
“I’m just playing confident, playing free,” he said.
“This is my third year in the NBA now, new scenery here in Atlanta. So I’m just playing with a clear mind, going out there, doing what I know how to do.
“It’s been a great start to the season so hopefully keep building on it.”
His efforts aided his side’s comeback from a 15 point second half deficit against Boston, helping Atlanta snap a two game losing streak, despite being without star guard Trae Young (Achilles tendonitis).
The Bendigo product’s output was dubbed the “best game of his career” by commentator Bob Rathbun as he put on a “defensive clinic.”
Fellow commentator Brian Oliver also had high praise for Daniels.
“He has been basically cooking on all cylinders,” Oliver said.
“I want to be a role model to all the people that have taken a similar path to me,” a humble Daniels said.
“Australian basketball’s really growing the last couple of years, the NBL over there is really shooting up and coming from Bendigo, there’s only been a few country people to be playing here in the NBA.
“So I just want to inspire people, be a good role model and play that Australian way, you know – that tough, gritty way. I’ve been able to do that to start this year.”
Daniels’ previous career high was 18 points against the Hornets earlier this season.
The Hawks next host the Washington Wizards on Saturday (AEDT).