Saturday morning’s NBA matchups saw several Australian players hitting the court, with Ben Simmons, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Josh Green each making their mark. While some displayed the traits that have endeared them to fans, others faced early-season challenges as they adjust to new teams and roles.
Giddey Finds His Rhythm in Bulls Victory
Josh Giddey’s start with the Chicago Bulls may have been rocky, but his performance in the Bulls’ 11-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks showcased the young guard’s exceptional skills. Finishing with 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, Giddey rebounded impressively from his debut game.
Despite limited three-point success early in the season, Giddey drilled two triples in this game, a promising sign for a player known more for his playmaking than his shooting. For the Bulls, his ability to keep defenses honest on the perimeter could prove vital this season.
- Giddey’s Game Stats:
- Points: 17
- Assists: 9
- Rebounds: 6
- Plus/Minus: +11
Later in the game, Giddey showed his confidence by knocking down a corner three-pointer, a shot that Bulls fans hope to see more often. Giddey’s play with teammate Zach LaVine was a highlight of the Bulls’ performance, and with upcoming games, he’ll have more chances to build chemistry and sharpen his shooting.
Dyson Daniels Impresses Atlanta as a Two-Way Threat
In Atlanta, Dyson Daniels continues to draw praise as a potential breakout star. Known for his defense, the Australian guard’s contributions on both ends of the floor in the Hawks’ win over the Hornets have fans and analysts taking notice. Daniels scored a career-high 18 points, along with four assists, two steals, and two blocks, cementing his role as a fan favorite in Atlanta.
For Daniels, his impact goes beyond the stats sheet. From deflecting passes to making clutch plays in tight moments, Daniels offers Atlanta a versatile defender and a scoring option. Hawks coach Quin Snyder emphasized Daniels’ importance, noting how the team struggled to maintain momentum when he was off the court. As the season progresses, Daniels’ contributions to the Hawks’ backcourt will be crucial.
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Steals | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson Daniels | Atlanta Hawks | 18 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Josh Green | Charlotte Hornets | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Josh Giddey | Chicago Bulls | 17 | 9 | — | — |
| Ben Simmons | Brooklyn Nets | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Simmons Struggles with Fouls in Nets Loss to Magic
Ben Simmons’ fouling issues reared their head once more in Brooklyn’s game against the Orlando Magic. Simmons put up seven points, six rebounds, and three assists, but early foul trouble limited his minutes on the court, complicating the Nets’ defensive strategy.
Simmons, who started as center, missed key stretches due to five fouls, creating challenges for a Nets team already stretched thin in the frontcourt. With Nic Claxton on a minutes restriction, the Nets needed Simmons’ versatility more than ever. Yet, he continued to show flashes of his dynamic playmaking, highlighted by several assists and defensive stops. Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez will be looking for Simmons to dial in on his defensive focus to avoid unnecessary fouls and become the consistent presence the team needs.
Green’s Hustle and Energy Fuel Hornets Debut
Josh Green made his debut for the Charlotte Hornets and immediately displayed his trademark energy and hustle, collecting five points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Although his shooting wasn’t lights-out, Green’s athleticism was clear from his first minutes on the floor, as he attacked the boards and hustled on defense.
One of Green’s standout plays was a reverse layup in the third quarter, followed shortly by a tenacious offensive rebound that set up a pair of free throws. His presence helped the Hornets stay competitive against the Hawks, particularly in a fourth quarter that saw Charlotte narrow the gap. With time, Green’s aggressive style and defensive instincts are likely to carve out a valuable role in the Hornets’ rotation.
