Welcome to the NBA, Dyson Daniels.
The Australian recruit made his mark in his first real chance on an NBA court for the New Orleans Pelicans.
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both out with injury, Daniels saw an extended run in the Pelicans’ 113-111 home win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday (all time AEDT) and shined.
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Wednesday, Oct. 26
Wednesday, October 26
Daniels had 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting, one 3-pointer, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block in 22 minutes of action, doing most of his damage in a 15-minute span in the first half .
Perhaps most impressively, Daniels did it while facing Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the powerful first assignment for the young guard.
The No. 8 pick’s impact went beyond the stat sheet as well, making plays on offense including good spin and finishing and being active on the defensive end, even noticeably picking up Doncic’s pocket twice.
Daniels steals the ball from Doncic (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Above all, Daniels looked like he belonged on an NBA court as one of the most impactful players in the first half to show that he has a very bright future.
“Daniels made an impact in this game on both ends of the floor in his first significant opportunity to play,” former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy told TNT.
“I always told the boys at the beginning of the season, everyone who gets a chance in the squad will come at some point, and he always does, it’s inevitable.
“The question is whether you’ll be ready when your time comes, and Dyson Daniels certainly was tonight.”
Daniels entered the game with 4:35 left in the first season and immediately faced Doncic in a tough introduction to the league and a big test.
But the 19-year-old was up for the challenge.
He stayed in the game until just before halftime, essentially playing 15 straight minutes, such was his impact, including a particularly impressive second season where he kept Doncic honest offensively after the Slovenian’s early outburst.
Pelicans coach Willie Green clearly liked what he saw, as did the rest of the NBA world.
“Dyson Daniels gets an extended run and takes advantage,” TNT commentator Ian Eagle said.
After the Australian made a basket in the fourth quarter and converted a layup while being fouled, Eagle added, “Daniels was a revelation tonight for New Orleans.”
Daniels guarding Doncic (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Pelicans overcame a monster performance from Doncic, who finished with 37 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, including missing the game-winning shot, to improve to 3-1 on the season and move into second in the Western Conference.
Elsewhere in Dallas, Spencer Dinwiddie (25 points) and Christian Wood (23 points, six rebounds) had big games.
Trey Murphy’s 22 points led eight Pelicans in double figures in a well-rounded showing and testament to their depth without Williamson and Ingram, while CJ McCollum added a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists.
Given New Orleans’ impressive depth, it may be difficult for Daniels to get consistent minutes moving forward on a team that looks primed to challenge in the West, but on Wednesday the Aussie showed he’ll be ready when called upon.
Daniels had already played three minutes in garbage time in the Pelicans’ meeting with the Brooklyn Nets in his season opener in what was technically his official debut.
He was drafted by New Orleans with the eighth overall pick in last year’s draft.