Dyson Daniels has discovered a new solution for his old problem

After taking a 2-1 series lead on the New York Knicks, the vibes in the locker room were higher than a flock of hawks flying over the State Farm Arena. The entire world witnessed Jalen Johnson finally break through his Playoff jitters with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, leading his team to victory 109-108 after another postseason thriller. 

However, while the franchise centerpiece finally got into a groove, their defensive stalwart, Dyson Daniels, has discovered a new solution for an old problem that has plagued his young professional career regarding his offense.

Analyzing the Australian’s offensive struggles

Fans have become accustomed to their beloved Australian making an impact on both ends of the floor, but his offensive struggles have spiked in the last two games. Not to undermine Dyson’s defensive impact, which has kept Knicks star Jalen Brunson in an offensive prison.

The main reason for concern, even with their 2-1 lead, was Daniels’ five turnovers by the end of the game. Alongside his turnovers, he also shot 3-of-7 from the field, but one of his three field goals was his 23rd 3-pointer of the season, leaving the door open for some optimism. 

It was encouraging to see him knock it down after finishing the season shooting 18.8 percent from beyond the arc, and we will see his true potential once he develops a reliable shot. He has the chance to become one of the best two-way players on the planet, and at 23 years old, the best is yet to come. 

Daniels has discovered a temporary solution

As it stands, the Hawks have found a way to benefit from Dyson’s poor shooting. He’s adapted the role of a Draymond Green-type figure for this team, creating more distinctive sets for the young rising contenders. Daniels is averaging six points, 6.3 assists, and 8.6 rebounds over the last three games.

His size has been one of the X factors for the Hawks' rebounding disparity, and the 6-foot-7 shooting guard has learned to use his 200 lb body as a tool in the Hawks' offensive engine. Daniels uses his screens to create separation for the shooters while also rolling to the rim as a cutter.

If Dyson isn’t using his body to benefit his teammates, he’s crashing the glass and has proven to be one of the best rebounding guards in the league. 

It’s a recent development that has increased Atlanta’s hopes of advancing to the second round for the first time in five years, and it’s one of the many ways he’s been able to contribute without scoring.

He’s adopted a unique pass-first-defensive playstyle with an emphasis on rebounding. Although Daniels can’t shoot consistently, his screens are set on the perimeter, preventing the Hawks from clogging the paint. Combined with Onyeka Okongwu's shooting ability, and it all balances out.

The former USC Trojan’s shooting stroke forces Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to come out of the post, creating backdoor cuts for Daniels and the other Hawks. This game plan is an efficient offensive set for Quin Snyder, which has dominated the NBA in recent years. 

Dyson Daniels deserves more time to turn his weaknesses into strengths, and his cerebral approach to the game guarantees he will receive that opportunity.  

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