24
Jan
Aussie Digest
Josh's 66th double-double, Dyson has four steals
Australian Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
How Australians performed in the NBA on January 24, 2025
- Dyson Daniels playing outstanding hoops, has 22 points and four steals
- Josh Giddey logs another double-double in 25-point loss
- Johnny Furphy and Duop Reath get limited minutes
Toronto Raptors snapped their 10-game road losing streak with a nail-biting 122-119 victory (Game Centre) against the Atlanta Hawks despite NBA steal leader Dyson Daniels All-Star level performance at State Farm Arena on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The 21-year-old Daniels had 22 points, eight boards, five assists and four steals. He was elite from the field, shooting 8-from-14 including 2-from-4 from three to go with 4-of-5 from the line.
The Boomers guard continues to lead the NBA in steals at three per game. Atlanta loss comes as it has been revealed the Hawks' coach Quin Snyder is a potential candidate to take over from Brian Goorjian as the head coach of the Australian Boomers.
Scottie Barnes led the charge for Toronto, delivering a stellar 25-point, six rebounds, and three assists performance.
The Raptors came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, racing to a 35-25 lead after the first quarter. Trae Young orchestrated a second-quarter surge that saw the Hawks close the gap to just six points by halftime. The home team continued to chip away at Toronto's lead throughout the second half, with Daniels emerging as a key offensive spark.
Toronto's efficient shooting proved to be the difference, as they connected on 58% of their field goal attempts compared to Atlanta's 48.3%.
Jakob Poeltl contributed 17 points and nine rebounds while anchoring Toronto's interior defence.
For the Hawks, this loss serves as a wake-up call as they hover around the .500 mark. Despite strong showings from Daniels and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who added 23 points off the bench, Atlanta's inconsistent play continues to hamper their playoff aspirations in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Chicago Bulls @ Golden State Warriors
Josh Giddey led the Chicago Bulls in rebounding with 11 (nine defensive and two offensive) and added an efficient 16 points to record the 66th double-double of his career. But that was the only real bright spot for the Bulls as they were crushed by the Golden State Warriors 131-106.
San Antonio Spurs @ Indiana Pacers
Australian rookie forward Johnny Furphy logged five minutes in the Pacers 140-110 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
The 20-year-old grabbed two defensive boards and picked up a foul.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Orlando Magic
Australian centre Duop Reath logged two minutes as the Portland Trail Blazers destroyed the Orlando Magic 101-79 in Orlando. He scored a bucket to finish with two points and a rebound.
Trail Blazers swingman Matisse Thybulle is yet to return from injury.
Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Australian rookie guard Alex Ducas was a DNP-coach's decision as OKC Thunder fell 121-115 to the visiting Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas Mavericks and Boomers guard Dante Exum is still out with injury.
