A game-winning shot by Trae Young and a masterclass performance by Dyson Daniels on both ends of the court led the Atlanta Hawks to a thrilling 132-130 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, ending their frustrating eight-game losing streak.
The matchup between the Hawks and Pistons was an intense, back-and-forth battle that showcased both teams’ resilience and determination. With only 8.5 seconds remaining on the clock and the game tied at 130-130, the stage was set for one of those unforgettable moments that would go down in NBA history. That moment came courtesy of Trae Young, who, with his usual flair and confidence, took matters into his own hands.
As the shot clock wound down, Young dribbled to the top of the key, sizing up his defender. He then launched a difficult, contested shot over Pistons defender Jaden Ivey. The shot was a high-arcing floater that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before swishing through the net, giving the Hawks a 132-130 lead with just seconds remaining. While it was a remarkable shot, it was certainly not the type of play that coach Quin Snyder had drawn up in the huddle. In fact, Young’s decision to take the shot in such a chaotic moment seemed unplanned. However, no one on the Hawks bench was complaining.
This wasn’t the first time this season that Trae Young had delivered a clutch, game-winning shot. In a previous matchup against the Utah Jazz, Young made an incredible, almost unimaginable toss from beyond half court to seal the victory for Atlanta. His ability to rise to the occasion in those pressure-filled moments has been one of the standout characteristics of his game this season, and his performance against the Pistons was no different.
But while Young’s game-winning shot was the highlight of the night, it was Dyson Daniels’ all-around performance, particularly his stellar defensive play, that played a crucial role in ensuring the Hawks came out on top. The 21-year-old Australian guard has proven himself to be one of the team’s most valuable assets, and his impact was evident throughout the game.
The turning point came earlier in the final moments of the game, when Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ star guard, had an opportunity to give his team the lead. Cunningham, known for his smooth scoring ability, managed to get past Daniels on the dribble and scored to tie the game at 130-130. It seemed like the game might be headed to overtime, but Daniels quickly made up for the previous possession, locking down Cunningham the next time down the court.
In an incredible defensive sequence, Daniels showed why he’s been nicknamed the “Great Barrier Thief” by some fans and analysts. He faced Cunningham one-on-one, staying low and forcing him into a difficult position. With impeccable timing and defensive awareness, Daniels stripped Cunningham of the ball and came up with a crucial steal. As soon as he secured the ball, Daniels didn’t hesitate—he pushed it up the floor to Trae Young, who was fouled as he went for a potential game-winning shot. The steal was a massive momentum shift and a testament to Daniels’ growth as a defender.
Coach Quin Snyder was full of praise for Daniels’ defensive prowess after the game. “He’s talented at making defensive plays in crucial late-game moments, and they often result in points on the other side, particularly if it’s a steal,” Snyder remarked. His defensive play in crunch time was one of the many reasons why the Hawks were able to secure the win. Without Daniels’ ability to disrupt the Pistons’ offense, especially in the final moments, the game could have easily gone in a different direction.
Throughout the contest, Daniels showed a level of defensive versatility that has made him such a valuable contributor to the Hawks this season. He not only recorded four steals but also added four blocks and five defensive rebounds. His effort on that end of the floor was a major reason why the Hawks were able to contain the Pistons’ offense and limit their scoring opportunities. He played tight, physical defense against multiple players, and his shot-blocking ability helped protect the rim.
But perhaps what was most impressive about Daniels’ performance on Tuesday night was his growth as an offensive player. Known for his defense and playmaking, Daniels has been working hard to develop his offensive game, particularly in his ability to drive to the basket. This focus was evident in his performance against the Pistons, as Daniels attacked the rim with confidence, converting plays in the paint and finishing strong at the basket.
Coach Snyder mentioned after the game that the team had been emphasizing this aspect of Daniels’ game in recent weeks. “One aspect we’ve discussed with him is his aggressiveness when attacking the basket, and I believe that, as the season has advanced, he has become more assertive,” Snyder said. “Regardless of what he’s doing inside—whether he’s passing, finishing, shooting a floater, or making a layup—simply the fact that he’s driving to the paint is significant for us.”
Daniels was incredibly efficient on the offensive end, finishing the game with 19 points. He shot an impressive 6-of-10 from the field, including hitting a crucial three-pointer in the second half that helped the Hawks build a lead. In addition to his shooting, Daniels also went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, showing that he was comfortable in pressure moments. His ability to make free throws down the stretch helped the Hawks maintain their advantage.
But Daniels’ contributions weren’t limited to scoring. He also displayed his playmaking ability, recording seven assists. His vision and basketball IQ were on full display as he created opportunities for his teammates, finding the open man and facilitating Atlanta’s offense. As the game progresses, it’s clear that Daniels has become a more complete player, and his development on both sides of the ball is one of the most exciting storylines for the Hawks this season.
With Jalen Johnson sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury, Daniels has been tasked with taking on more on-ball responsibilities. While the injury to Johnson is unfortunate, it could also serve as an opportunity for Daniels to further develop his game and take on a larger role in the team’s offense. His performance against the Pistons could be a sign of things to come, and if he continues to grow and expand his skill set, he could emerge as one of the key players for the Hawks moving forward.
For Atlanta, this win was crucial. The Hawks had been mired in a difficult eight-game losing streak, and the pressure to break out of the slump was mounting. The team’s performance against the Pistons not only ended the losing streak but also showed the resilience and determination that they’ll need to carry through the rest of the season. While Young’s game-winner stole the headlines, it was Daniels’ all-around performance—particularly his defense—that was the backbone of the victory.
The Hawks will look to build on this win as they head into the latter half of the season. With Young continuing to deliver in clutch moments and Daniels growing into a more well-rounded player, Atlanta has the pieces in place to make a strong push in the Eastern Conference. If the team continues to play with the same intensity and focus they showed against the Pistons, they could become a dangerous opponent for anyone in the league.
In the end, it was a night to remember for the Atlanta Hawks, their fans, and Dyson Daniels, who took another step toward becoming one of the team’s foundational players. His clutch defense, offensive growth, and overall impact were a key factor in the Hawks’ exciting win over the Pistons. As the season progresses, Daniels’ development will be something to keep a close eye on, especially as he continues to grow in his role on this talented team.
