Daniels Defeats Furphy in Aussies Abroad Matchup
In a thrilling matchup between Australian players, Dyson Daniels propelled the Atlanta Hawks to victory over Johnny Furphy’s Indiana Pacers. The Hawks secured a 132-116 win at home, marking another highlight in Daniels’ emerging NBA career.
Dyson Daniels Shines for Atlanta Hawks
On Monday afternoon, Daniels showcased his skills with impressive stats: 22 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and one steal. This performance represents the fourth time this season he has surpassed 20 points in a game.
C.J. McCollum also made significant contributions, leading the Hawks with 23 points. Atlanta’s decisive victory was bolstered by a stunning 17-0 run in the second half, turning the tide after trailing during parts of the game.
Johnny Furphy’s Pacers Struggles
On the other side, Furphy, a promising talent from Melbourne, experienced a challenging game. He ended the match with six points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals. The Pacers had led by 15 points midway through the third quarter and held a 92-85 lead before Atlanta’s decisive run shifted momentum.
- Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 26 points.
- Aaron Nesmith added 18 points.
- Bennedict Mathurin returned from injury to contribute 16 points.
Despite the defeat, the Pacers finished a difficult five-game road trip with a record of 1-4.
Weather Impact on Game Scheduling
The game time was adjusted to early afternoon due to potential icy conditions from a winter storm, ensuring player safety was prioritized.
Highlights from Other Australian Players
In a separate game, fellow Australian Josh Green led the Charlotte Hornets to a resounding 130-93 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. Green scored 12 points, contributing to a remarkable team effort where all five starters reached double figures.
Brandon Miller stood out with 30 points, and the Hornets claimed their third consecutive win. This performance marks a historic achievement for Charlotte, as they became the first team since the 2009 Phoenix Suns to achieve leads of 50 points in two games within a single month.
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | Dyson Daniels | 22 | 5 | 9 |
| Indiana Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 26 | – | – |
| Charlotte Hornets | Brandon Miller | 30 | – | – |
Both Daniels and Green continue to make significant impacts on their teams, showcasing Australian talent in the NBA.
