Record-breaking season ends for Dyson Daniels

• The Atlanta Hawks' season has come to an end after a 123-114 overtime play-in loss to the Miami Heat
• Dyson Daniels had 11 points, 10 rebounds, four rebounds and three steals
• Daniels is one of the leading candidates for this season's Defensive Player of the Year

The record-breaking season of Australian rising star Dyson Daniels has come to an end after the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Miami Heat in the eighth seed play-in qualifier 123-114 in an overtime thriller at State Farm Arena.

Daniels, who finished the season first in steals (229) and deflections (443), recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists and three steals in 44 minutes as he had the tough task of defending Heat superstar Tyler Herro for majority of the contest.

Unfortunately for Daniels, and the Hawks, it was Herro who got the better of the match-up this time with 30 points as he helped Miami secure the eighth seed and a meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Heat established control early, jumping out to a 33-24 lead after the first quarter behind Herro's sharp shooting and Miami maintained their advantage through the second and third periods, taking an 86-77 lead into the final quarter. However, the Hawks mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth, outscoring the Heat 29-20 to force overtime.

In the extra period, Miami dominated from the opening possession with the Heat outscoring Atlanta 17-8 as Andrew Wiggins and Herro combined for 11 points to secure the victory and the Eastern Conference's eighth seed.

With just under four minutes remaining in regulation, Trae Young hit a clutch three-pointer to cut Miami's lead to two points, sparking Atlanta's late surge. Young followed with another deep shot at the 1:21 mark to tie the game at 112, setting up the dramatic finish. However, Young couldn't maintain his hot hand in overtime, going just 1-for-5 in the extra period.

Herro delivered an efficient 30-point performance for Miami, shooting 10-from-21 from the field and 5-from-10 from three-point range. His seven assists and eight rebounds showcased his all-around impact. Wiggins added 20 points and eight assists, while Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and an impressive five blocks.

The Heat's balanced attack was the difference maker, with six players scoring in double figures. Miami shot 50 percent from the field (48-from-96) compared to Atlanta's 43.1 percent (44-from-102). The Heat also dominated the glass, outrebounding the Hawks 54-44, including 13 offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance points.

Atlanta's season comes to a disappointing end after finishing with a 40-42 record but it was a breakout campaign for Daniels, who is one of the leading contenders for Defensive Player of the Year, as the Victorian product even has experts like Aussie basketball icon Andrew Bogut guaranteeing him the award in his latest column for basketball.com.au.

Daniels has also established himself as one of the cornerstones of the young Hawks team after he was traded from the New Orleans Pelicans, where he struggled to earn consistent court time, during last offseason.