Dyson Daniels Leads Hawks Past Hornets as Bulls Edge Bucks

Hawks Blow Out Hornets Behind Strong Defense

Dyson Daniels put on a defensive clinic as the Atlanta Hawks dominated the Charlotte Hornets 128-81 on Friday. The defensive specialist recorded seven steals, coming up just one short of his career high of eight. He sat out most of the final period after doing plenty of damage early.

Daniels was just shy of a double double, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Atlanta got big scoring efforts from Jalen Johnson and Aaron Wiggins, who each dropped 19 points to lead the team. The victory pushes the Hawks to a 2-0 record on the season as they head back home to face the Houston Rockets.

Masked Landale Contributes in Big Win

Daniels was not the only Australian player making noise for Atlanta. Jock Landale played through pain, wearing a protective mask after suffering a nasal fracture from a hit under his eye in the season opening win at Orlando.

The center contributed eight points, six rebounds, and four assists off the bench. Landale is playing on a one year contract this season. Atlanta made short work of Charlotte, who received 17 points from top scorer Naz Reid. The Hornets could not build on their opening win at Brooklyn. Atlanta, who lost to eventual champions New York in the playoffs last year, controlled this game from start to finish.

Bulls Outlast Bucks in High Scoring Battle

In other NBA action on Friday, the Chicago Bulls picked up a 132-125 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Josh Giddey directed the Chicago offense with nine assists, adding six points and four rebounds.

Norman Powell led the Bulls with 25 points, while rookie Caleb Wilson stepped up with 21 points. Chicago rebounded after dropping their season opening game at Toronto.

Tyler Herro poured in 34 points for Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area native was one of four players traded to the Bucks in an offseason deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The game started four hours earlier than scheduled because the Milwaukee Brewers hosted game one of baseball's World Series on Friday night.