ORLANDO, Fla. – The NBA season for Dyson Daniels and the Atlanta Hawks came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic overtime loss to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament. The Hawks, who were vying for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, fell 123-114 on Friday night, April 18, 2025, marking a disappointing conclusion to a season that saw Daniels emerge as a standout player.
In the crucial matchup, the Hawks struggled against a relentless Heat defense and trailed for much of the game. However, they showed resilience, rallying to tie the game at 106-106, thanks to a last-second layup from Trae Young, who received the ball from Daniels. Unfortunately for the Hawks, overtime was dominated by the Heat, who secured their spot in the playoffs to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite the loss, Daniels finished the game with solid statistics, recording 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, four assists, and matching his stellar season average with three steals. This season, Daniels averaged career highs of 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, showcasing his growth and potential as a player.
“I don’t point fingers at anyone but myself,” Daniels reflected on his previous struggles in New Orleans, where he felt he lacked confidence and failed to assert himself. “I came in there in New Orleans and took a step back. I let the superstars be the superstars. I didn’t fit into being a role player.”
Transitioning to Atlanta proved beneficial for Daniels, who has been a candidate for both the Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards this season. He became the first player in 31 years to average at least three steals per game, finishing the regular season with a league-leading 3.01 steals per game, a feat last accomplished by Alvin Robertson in the 1990-91 season.
“People work on their offensive game. I work on my defensive game,” Daniels stated, emphasizing his dedication to improving his defensive skills. His efforts culminated in an NBA-best 443 deflections, averaging 5.8 per game. Daniels credited his success to hard work and a focus on studying opponents' tendencies.
However, the Hawks’ journey in the play-in tournament was rocky, beginning with a crushing 120-95 loss to the Orlando Magic just days before their elimination against Miami. In that game, the Hawks struggled to contain Cole Anthony, who scored 26 points in just 20 minutes.
“These games are going to be a Game 7 type of deal. Lose, you go home. So, we’re going to leave it all out there on the floor,” Daniels had said before the Miami game, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, Daniels’ transformation has been remarkable. After being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Hawks on July 6, 2024, he quickly became a vital part of the team. The trade sent Daniels, along with forwards E.J. Liddell and Larry Nance Jr., center Cody Zeller, and draft picks, to Atlanta in exchange for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray.
“It was kind of shocking. I wasn’t expecting it,” Daniels recalled about the trade. “I thought I was going to be back in New Orleans... But after the first few days, I really just said to myself, ‘This is good for me. This is a fresh start.’”
Daniels’ confidence grew throughout the season, particularly after representing Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He began the Olympic campaign with a strong performance against Spain, scoring 13 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out two assists in a 92-80 victory.
“I went into the Olympics saying, ‘F— it, I’m going to be the best player on the floor every time I step on,’” he said. This mindset carried over to his NBA performance, where he developed a strong on-court connection with Hawks star Trae Young, averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game before the NBA All-Star break.
Coach Quin Snyder played a significant role in Daniels’ development, encouraging him to play freely on both ends of the court. “Coach Q, he never brings you down. He always gives you confidence,” Daniels said, expressing gratitude for the support he received.
Despite the disappointing playoff exit, Daniels remains optimistic about his future. “To be in the position I am in now from last year, just have my name in that conversation is special now,” he said regarding the awards discussions. “I feel like I’d give myself a good case going out there guarding the best player every night, getting steals.”
As the Hawks look to regroup for next season, Daniels has proven he can be a key contributor. His performance this year has earned him respect and recognition around the league, and he is determined to build on this success moving forward.
“I just couldn’t be any happier for him,” Nance Jr. said, praising Daniels’ growth. “The work he put in, the film he watched, and the unseen hours are now on display for everyone to see.”
With the season concluded, the focus now shifts to the upcoming awards announcements, with finalists for the Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year set to be revealed on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Regardless of the outcome, Daniels has firmly established himself as a rising star in the NBA.
