Trae who? Dyson battles Jokic, Nuggets in nailbiter

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Trae who?

Australian Boomers backcourt star Dyson Daniels once again showed he has the potential to run the Atlanta Hawks offensively and still be the best defensive player on the court, after having one of his best games across the board this season.

Daniels not only ran the Hawks' offence but took on the task of guarding Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray as the teams battled it out in an epic contest where Atlanta almost pulled off their best win of the season.

With Trae Young out, Daniels has shown glimpses of dramatic improvement on the offensive end, which could encourage the Atlanta front office to look for trades for their All-Star point guard.

However, his impressive performance wasn't enough to overcome 40 points from MVP favourite, Nikola Jokic.

NBA BOX SCORE: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

His stats might not jump off the page but Australian Boomers centre Jock Landale had a major impact in a 107-98 win for the Memphis Grizzlies over the Los Angeles Clippers at FedEx Forum.

Coming off the bench, Landale had seven points in 17 minutes, going 3-from-5 from the field, along with one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block. The former Melbourne United big man was one of the top Grizzlies in plus-minus (+8) for the game.

While not one of his best scoring games, Landale was efficient and also boosted Memphis' defensive suffocation of the Clippers, which also featured a highlight block on superstar guard James Harden.

He's formed a dominant partnership with starting centre, Zach Edey, with the pair combining for 17 points and 15 rebounds in the game.

NBA BOX SCORE: CHICAGO BULLS VS INDIANA PACERS

Josh Giddey had one of his worst performances of the season as the season, failing to reach double digits in any statistical category as the Indiana Pacers beat the Chicago Bulls 120-105 at the United Center.

Giddey, who has been in All-Star form this season, couldn't find his rhythm at all throughout the game, finishing with just nine points (2-from-9 FG) along with seven rebounds and six assists while also turning it over five times.

Without Giddey firing, the Bulls struggled offensively and Indiana capitalised. Pacers wing and Aussie young gun Johnny Furphy played another 16 minutes for two points, one rebound and one assist.

Lachlan Olbrich played one minute for the Bulls.

NBA BOX SCORE: DETROIT PISTONS VS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

What more does Aussie big man Duop Reath have to do to earn more court time for the Portland Trail Blazers?

The Olympic bronze medallist was as efficient as you could be from the field, going 2-from-2 from the three point line and nailing one free-throw for seven points as the Trail Blazers fell in a tight contest 122-116 to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Reath also had three rebounds.

NBA BOX SCORE: ATLANTA HAWKS VS DENVER NUGGETS

Dyson Daniels was everywhere as he almost sparked the Atlanta Hawks to an upset victory over the Denver Nuggets at State Farm Arena.

Daniels had 15 points, 7-from-14 from the field and 1-from-3 from distance, as well as eight assists, three rebounds and two steals as the Hawks lost in a 134-133 nailbiter.

Last season's Most Improved Player had three turnovers but showed the ability to create for others and run a team offensively, which he has displayed in patches since the injury to teammate Trae Young.

Nikola Jokic had 40 points for the Nuggets.

NBA BOX SCORE: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Australian rookie guard Tyrese Proctor missed the Cleveland Cavaliers' 130-117 home win over the San Antonio Spurs. It was one of Cleveland's best wins of the season. Proctor is expected to return on Monday to face the Golden State Warriors.

NBA BOX SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS VS CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Josh Green is yet to play a game this season and remains sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Charlotte Hornets beat the Toronto Raptors 111-86 at Scotiabank Arena.

NBA BOX SCORE: OKC THUNDER VS DALLAS MAVERICKS

Australian guard Dante Exum is out for the season after knee complications. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder are demolishing the Dallas Mavericks.