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Dyson Daniels faces toughest test yet in breakout season | Sporting News Australia

Dyson Daniels faces toughest test yet in breakout season | Sporting News Australia

On one side, Dyson Daniels, the league-leader in steals per game and a contender to make his first career NBA All-Defense appearance. 

On the other, Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, four-time champion, and all-time leader in 3-pointers made. 

Despite what has been a breakout season for Daniels since being traded to Atlanta, being matched up against Curry was his toughest test yet – but the young Australian stood up to the test impressively. 

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Dyson Daniels faces Steph Curry in tough test

There aren’t many players less fun to guard in the NBA than Steph Curry, the dynamic Warriors point guard stressing out opposing players for over a decade. 

Thursday’s game was not the first meeting between Curry and Daniels, but it is their first since the Aussie made the move to Atlanta, ahead of what has been a breakout year.

Daniels currently leads the league in both steals and deflections, and earlier this season recorded four straight games of six or more steals. 

And while Curry wasn’t quiet by any means, finishing the game with 23 points and eight assists in the 23-point win, Daniels was solid in his performance, glued to the 10-time All-Star. 

Finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists, it was a quieter night for Daniels on the offensive end, but his growth with new team Atlanta is clear, and he will no doubt continue to match up against the league’s most elite scorers going forward.