Guard Dyson Daniels, who has become the biggest thief in the NBA, and the Atlanta Hawks look for their third straight win when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
According to the Hawks, Daniels has tied the record for longest streak in NBA history with at least 15 points and five steals at four games, matching NBA icon Michael Jordan.
Daniels, acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Dejounte Murray trade in July, leads the NBA in steals with 3.8 a game (42 in 11 games). His defensive acumen has carried over into the entire team, which is fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
“Anytime you have someone that takes the amount of pride he does in defending, when you’re out on the floor with him (his teammates) can’t help but raise their level as well,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “It’s something we have worked on. Dyson impacts the game in a lot of different ways.”
Daniels had a career-high 28 points in the Hawks’ 117-116 road win over Boston on Tuesday and followed up with 25 in Friday’s 129-117 home win over the Wizards.
Against the Wizards, the Hawks welcomed back veteran De’Andre Hunter, who missed 10 games because of a knee injury and then to spend time with his newborn daughter. Hunter added 22 points off the bench against the Wizards.
“It’s good to have him back,” Snyder said. “I thought he played the way that we talk about a lot. He was aggressive from three. He’s a good shooter and he can get that shot off and that sets him up attacking the rim. He’s a pro.”
The Hawks are still without Bogdan Bogdanovic, who played in only one game before sustaining a right hamstring injury. Trae Young is also dealing with right Achilles tendinitis.
The Trail Blazers are coming off a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves at home despite missing Deandre Ayton with a finger injury and Anfernee Simons with a chest issue. Ayton is listed as questionable and Simons will miss the contest.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was asked about the status of his two stars Friday.
“I think (Simons) is feeling a little better, but not the best though, we are just waiting to see how he continues to progress,” Billups said. “(Deandre) wasn’t able to practice. I have a hard time thinking (he would play Sunday), but I am not sure.”
Portland has still struggled offensively, scoring just 106.8 points a game, which ranks 26th in the NBA. They’ve gotten a big boost from rookie 7-foot center Donovan Clingan in the last two games. Clingan had 17 points, 12 boards and eight blocks in the win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. His eight blocks were one off Bill Walton’s single-game Blazers record.
Clingan, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft after a stellar career at Connecticut, is already reaching folk hero status in Portland.
“I think what’s so surprising here is just how young he is and how inexperienced he is,” said Billups. “He’s not even used to playing this many minutes. To me that is what’s most impressive, to play that much and to be able to stay that focused.”
The all-time series between the two franchises is tied at 62, and each team has won the match-up on its home court each of the last five years.