Dyson's Hawks bounce back to dispel Magic

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Dyson Daniels and the Atlanta Hawks have bounced back from a horrific season opener to beat the Orlando Magic 111-107 at the Kia Center.

Atlanta were demolished in their first game at home against the Toronto Raptors 138-118 on October 23 despite a significant amount of hype about the team's playoff chances for the 2025-26 season following the improvement of Daniels, the return of Jalen Johnson as well as the additions of big man Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

It was just as disappointing for Daniels, as last season's Most Improved Player was looking to make a statement after signing a four-year, $100m extension with the Hawks, but it wasn't to be as he got in early foul trouble and played just 23 minutes for four points and three turnovers.

But the 22-year-old from Bendigo responded against one of the favourites to contend for the Eastern Conference title in the Magic, providing his trademark suffocating defence and recording six points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block in the four-point victory.

Daniels was a +10 in his 32 minutes while star guard Trae Young led the way on the offensive end with 25 points for the Hawks.

Atlanta needed abig second half against Orlando after the home side dominated the second period 37-26 to hold a 61-51 advantage at half-time. While the Hawks edged out Orlando 27-25 in the third quarter, it was a 33-21 final term which allowed Atlanta to grab their first win of the new season.

Quinn Snyder's team trailed by as many as 12 with nine minutes left before storming home in Orlando.

Daniels helped the Atlanta defence force 21 turnovers from their opponents, which was a crucial factor in the result.

Franz Wagner led the scoring for Orlando with 25 points.