{
  "id": 16278784,
  "title": "Nobody can protect the ball against Dyson Daniels right now",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/nobody-can-protect-the-ball-against-dyson-daniels-right-now",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-24T04:27:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nobody-protect-ball-against-dyson-042757233.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is making it clear that no one can stop him from disrupting the NBA's ball handlers. In just the first two games of the season, Daniels has led the league with an impressive 12 steals, showcasing his defensive skills, quick hands, and relentless effort. While scoring often takes the spotlight in the NBA, Daniels is proving that defense can be just as crucial. His ability to anticipate passing lanes, pressure opposing guards, and create turnovers has given Atlanta a valuable defensive presence early on. For the Hawks, Daniels' production is more than just an impressive statistic – it creates additional transition opportunities, allowing them to push the ball and score more easily.\n\nDaniels' dominance was evident in Atlanta's 132-125 win over the Orlando Magic, where he recorded five steals, along with 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists. In their dominant 128-81 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Daniels added seven steals, 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, propelling the Hawks to a perfect 2-0 start. He noted that Charlotte was giving him easy opportunities in the latter game, but admitted, \"In this game they were just giving it to me, I'm not going to lie. They were throwing it in my hands.\"\n\nThis Australian guard's defensive performance is quickly becoming a major storyline surrounding Atlanta's undefeated start. With Daniels leading the charge, the Hawks are showing signs of becoming a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. If he continues this level of play, another All-Defensive selection could be in the works. For now, opposing teams must be extremely cautious when guarding Daniels.",
  "summary": "Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is putting the NBA on notice after recording an incredible 12 steals in just two games, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous defenders.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dyson Daniels leads NBA with 12 steals in first two games",
    "Atlanta Hawks win first two games, 2-0 start",
    "Daniels' defensive skills create transition scoring opportunities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}