In a thrilling NBA Cup opener that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a stunning upset against the reigning champions Boston Celtics. The hero of the night? None other than Australian guard Dyson Daniels, who showcased his immense talent with a career-high 28 points, leading his team to a 117-116 victory at TD Garden.
A Star is Born
Dyson Daniels, the league’s leader in steals, proved he’s more than just a defensive specialist. The 21-year-old Bendigo native displayed his offensive prowess, adding seven assists, six steals, and three rebounds to his impressive stat line. His performance was a testament to his growth and potential as a rising star in the NBA.
“We knew it was going to be tough, coming in against the defending champs, but we fought,” Daniels said after the game. “We fought until the end. They got us in the first half and we went down 15 or something, but we kept our heads up, kept fighting, and credit to the team.”
– Dyson Daniels
A Team Effort
While Daniels stole the show, the Hawks’ victory was a result of a collective effort. Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively. The team’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the game, especially in the final quarter when they erased an eight-point deficit to secure the win.
Celtics Fall Short Despite Strong Performances
The Celtics, playing on a special green floor with a parquet design, were led by Jaylen Brown’s game-high 37 points. Derrick White and Jayson Tatum added 31 and 20 points, respectively, but their efforts fell just short in the face of the Hawks’ determined play. The loss serves as a reminder that no team, even the defending champions, is invincible in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
A Night of Thrilling Finishes
The Hawks-Celtics clash wasn’t the only game that kept fans enthralled. In Detroit, Malik Beasley’s free throws in the final seconds of overtime lifted the Pistons to a 123-121 win over the Miami Heat. Tyler Herro’s 40-point performance for the Heat wasn’t enough to overcome the Pistons’ balanced attack, led by Cade Cunningham and Beasley, who scored 21 points each.
Other notable results from the night included the Orlando Magic’s dominant 114-89 win over the Charlotte Hornets, the New York Knicks’ 111-99 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Phoenix Suns’ 120-112 road win over the Utah Jazz.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA Cup continues, all eyes will be on Dyson Daniels and the Atlanta Hawks. Can the young Australian guard maintain his impressive form and lead his team to more upsets? Will the Celtics bounce back from this early setback and reassert their dominance? The answers to these questions and more will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain: the NBA Cup has started with a bang, and fans are in for a treat as the tournament progresses.
