24

Feb

Aussie Digest

Daniels flies but Cade takes down Hawks

Written By

basketball.com.au

Dyson shows off his offensive talent despite Atlanta's loss to Detroit.

  • Dyson Daniels was the highest scoring Australian in the NBA with 24 points for Atlanta
  • Dante Exum's Dallas Mavericks were dominated by the Golden State Warriors
  • Ben Simmons continues to make an impact for the Clippers despite a loss to Indiana

All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham put together one of his best performances of the NBA season to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 148-143 win over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena despite a big night from Australia's Dyson Daniels.

Daniels starred for the Hawks with an efficient 10-14 from the field for 24 points, along with six rebounds and four steals but Cunningham stole the show with 38 points for Detroit.

The Pistons and Hawks put on an offensive showcase from the opening tip, with Detroit taking a narrow 33-30 lead after the first quarter and the visitors built on their early lead, catching fire in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 43-38 to extend their advantage to 76-68 at halftime.

Both teams continued their scoring pace in the third quarter but it was Detroit, who maintained a 112-103 lead heading into the final period before the Hawks mounted a furious comeback attempt. Atlanta outscored Detroit 40-36 in the final frame, although it wasn't enough to overcome the Pistons' earlier lead, with several clutch free throws sealing the five-point victory for Cunningham's team.

The former Oklahoma State star, drilled a step-back three-pointer with 3:15 left in the fourth to push Detroit's lead to eight points, all but ending Atlanta's fightback but Hawks All-Star Trae Young responded with a deep three of his own at the 2:30 mark, cutting the deficit to five and keeping the Hawks' hopes alive.

Cunningham's stellar performance of 14-24 from the field, including a scorching 7-10 from beyond the arc, was the standout performance of the game while Young also had 38 points for Atlanta.

Detroit's bench played a crucial role in the victory, outscoring Atlanta's reserves 53-44 with Malik Beasley leading the second unit with 24 points, including six three-pointers.

The victory moved Detroit hold into the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, improving their record to 31-26, while Atlanta's loss dropped them to 26-31, where they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors

Dante Exum and the Dallas Mavericks couldn't overcome a first-quarter avalanche from the Golden State Warriors, going down 126-102 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Exum scored five points and dished out five assists in 20 minutes but it was Stephen Curry, who dominated the game with 30 points, to go along with seven assists and four rebounds.

Newly signed Aussie Taran Armstrong is yet to join the Warriors after signing a two-way deal.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Indiana Pacers

Trying to rejuvenate his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, Ben Simmons continues to make an impact with his new team, recording eight points, four assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes despite losing to the Indiana Pacers 129-111 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Pacers had seven players score in double figures to beat the Clippers, led by Tyrese Haliburton with 29 points, while James Harden had 31 points for Los Angeles.

Patty Mills also hit the court for the Clippers, playing five minutes and scoring four points, and Aussie Johnny Furphy also played three minutes for the Pacers.

Stay in the Loop with the latest Hoops

Related Articles

See all articles