It was a mixed bag for Australia’s NBA contingent in Saturday’s games, as stars had both breakout performances and frustrating nights. Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels impressed with their new teams, showcasing significant offensive and defensive skills. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons battled foul trouble in a loss, and Josh Green brought his signature energy in his team debut. Here’s a full rundown of how the Aussies fared on the court.
Giddey and Daniels Shine in Key Victories
Josh Giddey delivered a standout performance for the Chicago Bulls, silencing early-season critics. After a quiet debut, Giddey bounced back spectacularly in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks, nearly logging a triple-double.
He finished the game with 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, demonstrating the all-around playmaking that makes him so valuable. Most promising for Bulls fans was Giddey’s shooting, as he connected on two three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor will be a critical factor for Chicago’s offense this season, especially when sharing the court with star scorer Zach LaVine.
In Atlanta, Dyson Daniels continued his ascent as a premier two-way player. He was instrumental in the Hawks’ victory over the Charlotte Hornets, proving his impact goes far beyond simple box score numbers. Daniels’ defensive instincts were on full display, but it was his offense that turned heads.
He scored a career-high 18 points while also contributing in every other category. Hawks coach Quin Snyder highlighted his importance, noting the team’s performance dipped whenever Daniels was on the bench. His key contributions included:
- Four assists, showing his developing playmaking.
- Two steals and two blocks, locking down the perimeter.
- Clutch plays in crucial moments of the game.
Struggles and Hustle for Simmons and Green
Ben Simmons’ night with the Brooklyn Nets was unfortunately defined by foul trouble. In a loss to the Orlando Magic, Simmons was limited on the court after picking up five fouls, which hampered the Nets’ game plan significantly.
Starting at the center position, Simmons’ versatility was needed, especially with Nic Claxton on a minutes restriction. Despite the fouls, he still showed glimpses of his unique talent, tallying seven points, six rebounds, and three assists. However, for the Nets to succeed, coach Jordi Fernandez needs Simmons to remain on the floor and avoid costly defensive mistakes.
Elsewhere, Josh Green made his debut for the Charlotte Hornets and immediately made his presence felt with his non-stop motor. Although his final stat line was modest, Green’s hustle and energy were evident from the moment he stepped onto the court against the Hawks.
He attacked the glass for offensive rebounds and made several high-energy defensive plays. A highlight was a tough reverse layup in traffic, showcasing the athleticism that will surely earn him a consistent role in the Hornets’ rotation as the season progresses.
Aussie Player Stat Lines
Here is a quick breakdown of how each Australian player performed in their respective games, highlighting their key statistical contributions.
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Giddey | Chicago Bulls | 17 | 9 | 6 | +11 |
| Dyson Daniels | Atlanta Hawks | 18 | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Ben Simmons | Brooklyn Nets | 7 | 3 | 6 | N/A |
| Josh Green | Charlotte Hornets | 5 | 2 | 3 | N/A |
Looking Ahead for the Australian Cohort
The latest round of games sets different tones for each Australian player moving forward. For Josh Giddey, the focus will be on building consistency with his jump shot and continuing to develop chemistry with his Bulls teammates. His strong performance is a sign of great things to come in Chicago.
Dyson Daniels is quickly cementing his role as an indispensable piece for the Atlanta Hawks. His career-high scoring night proves he is more than just a defensive specialist, and he is on a clear path to becoming a breakout star this season. Fans in Atlanta have every reason to be excited about his development.
For Ben Simmons and Josh Green, the path is about finding their footing. Simmons must find a way to balance his aggressive defense with the discipline needed to stay out of foul trouble. Green will look to turn his hustle and energy into a larger, more defined role with the Hornets as he gets more comfortable in their system.
