In a heated matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans, an on-court controversy has stolen the spotlight. Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who was traded from the Pelicans in the offseason, found himself at the center of accusations after appearing to make a gun gesture toward his former team’s bench following a pivotal 3-pointer.
Daniels Denies Gun Gesture Allegation
Daniels vehemently denied the claims, insisting that his extended arm with three fingers out was simply a reference to the shot’s point value. “I was just telling them all that it was worth 3 points,” Daniels explained post-game. “You know, pointing at them all, that’s all it was. I was making sure they all knew how many points it was worth.”
However, some on the Pelicans’ bench appeared unconvinced, calling for officials to assess Daniels a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. The young Australian guard remained steadfast in his innocence, stating, “I didn’t get one. So, the ref was right. I was just out there having fun.”
NBA’s History of Fining Gun Gestures
The NBA has a track record of cracking down on gun gestures, with notable fines handed out in recent years:
- Josh Jackson fined $35,000 in 2017
- Gerald Green fined $25,000 in 2015
- Ja Morant suspended 25 games in 2023 for waving a gun in a social media video
While Daniels’ gesture may seem minor in comparison, the league’s strict stance on the issue leaves the door open for potential disciplinary action.
A Memorable Return for Daniels and Nance
Sunday night’s game marked a significant moment for both Daniels and his teammate Larry Nance Jr., who were traded from New Orleans to Atlanta in the offseason deal that sent point guard Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans. The duo made their presence felt throughout the contest, engaging in playful banter with their former bench.
“Everybody in that locker room I have nothing but love and admiration for,” Nance shared post-game. “Tonight was a lot of fun. I’m glad we won.”
– Larry Nance Jr. on facing his former team
Daniels, who finished with 16 points in his return from a two-game absence due to a hip strain, expressed mixed emotions about the trade that sent him to Atlanta. “It was unexpected. I came into the league here and this was home for me,” he reflected. “They drafted me. They believed in me. Everyone was great to me. But this is a business; these things happen.”
Tempers Flare in Chippy Contest
The game took on a chippy tone at times, punctuated by a flagrant foul called against Hawks guard Garrison Matthews for a hard forearm to the midsection of Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado. The heated exchange left Alvarado visibly frustrated, requiring teammates to restrain him as he confronted Matthews.
“I don’t know what type of play was that,” Alvarado vented. “It wasn’t really like being aggressive. It felt like it was a cheap shot.”
– Jose Alvarado on Garrison Matthews’ flagrant foul
As the NBA reviews the incident between Daniels and the Pelicans’ bench, fans and analysts alike await the league’s verdict. Will the promising young guard face consequences for his controversial celebration, or will his explanation suffice? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: this heated rivalry between the Hawks and Pelicans shows no signs of cooling down anytime soon.
