'Great Barrier Thief' has crucial steal down stretch

• Dyson Daniels (NBA steals leader) has crucial steal in closing minutes
• Atlanta Hawks stunning 17-point 4th quarter comeback
• Trae Young has 27 and Jalen Johnson career-high 30

Australian rising star Dyson Daniels made a decisive steal in the final minutes that led to a go-ahead dunk to push Atlanta Hawks over the top of the visiting Chicago Bulls 141-133 in a stunning win on Friday, December 27, 2024.

The 21-year-old Daniels, who is leading the NBA in steals per game at 3.2, had just one steal against the Bulls and it was big. It capped a 17-point 4th quarter comeback that sent the home crowd at State Farm Arena into a frenzy.

Trae Young orchestrated the comeback with a masterful 27-point, 13-assist performance, while Jalen Johnson notched a career-high 30 points to propel the Hawks to their second straight victory.

The Bulls, without starting Australian point guard Josh Giddey, seemed in control for much of the contest, building a commanding 108-91 lead heading into the final frame. Bulls guard Zach LaVine was in scintillating form, pouring in 37 points on efficient 14-of-25 shooting, including a scorching 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, Atlanta's relentless fourth-quarter onslaught left the visitors shell-shocked.

As the final period began, the Hawks found another gear. Young's pinpoint passing and Johnson's aggressive drives to the basket ignited a 20-5 run that quickly closed the gap. The home crowd roared to life as Atlanta's defence tightened, forcing turnovers and contesting every Bulls shot. With just under four minutes remaining, De'Andre Hunter's three-pointer gave the Hawks their first lead since the opening quarter.

From there, it was all Atlanta. The Hawks outscored Chicago 50-25 in the fourth quarter, shooting a blistering 17-of-21 from the field. Johnson was particularly impressive down the stretch, showcasing his improved all-around game with 15 points and 15 rebounds. The second-year forward's development has been a bright spot for Atlanta this season, and his performance against the Bulls may signal his arrival as a true difference-maker.

The statistics tell the tale of Atlanta's remarkable turnaround. After shooting just 40.6% through three quarters, the Hawks connected on an astounding 81% of their attempts in the fourth. They also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Chicago 44-37 for the game and 15-6 in the final period. Perhaps most crucially, Atlanta's ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive, as they converted 32 of 34 attempts compared to just 5 of 6 for the Bulls.

Young, the Hawks' All-Star point guard, was the maestro behind the comeback. His 13 assists were a game-high, and he consistently found open teammates as Chicago's defence scrambled to contain him.

For the Bulls, the collapse will be a bitter pill to swallow. LaVine's offensive fireworks were ultimately for naught, as Chicago's defence crumbled in the fourth quarter. Coby White added 23 points and 9 assists, while Nikola Vucevic contributed a solid 19-point, 8-rebound effort. However, the Bulls' bench was outscored 45-17 by their Atlanta counterparts, highlighting a lack of depth that may prove problematic as the season progresses.

The victory pushes Atlanta's record to 16-15, keeping them firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.