Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels singled out Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the toughest player he’s ever defended, speaking in a recent interview with Sam Yip of HoopsHype.
Daniels, who has earned a reputation for his on-ball defense, discussed his mindset when facing elite scorers. “It’s fun. Yeah, I like that challenge,” Daniels said. “Going up against the best, it’s sort of what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always been a defender, so to guard the best people in the world and be out there doing it 35, 40 minutes is a lot of fun. It’s tough, but I like the challenge.”
When asked which matchup has tested him most, the 22-year-old guard didn’t hesitate. “Probably Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]. Shai’s very tough, crafty, really slithery. He can get fouls and shoot, so I think he’s the one,” Daniels said.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive versatility supports that claim. The Thunder guard is averaging 32.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds through 12 games this season, leading Oklahoma City to an 11–1 record. His combination of footwork, pace control, and midrange precision has made him one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in the league.
Daniels, meanwhile, has been a key two-way contributor for Atlanta since joining the Hawks ahead of the 2024–25 season. Through 11 games this year, he’s averaging 9.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while often taking on the opponent’s top perimeter threat. His defensive consistency has helped Atlanta stay competitive at 6–5 despite early-season injuries.
The two players already have a history on the court. When the Hawks faced the Thunder on October 25, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in Oklahoma City’s 117–100 win at State Farm Arena. Daniels drew the primary defensive assignment, spending much of the night tracking Gilgeous-Alexander through screens and isolations.
That performance further reinforced the Australian guard’s respect for Gilgeous-Alexander’s craft. The Thunder star continues to lead Oklahoma City’s rise in the Western Conference, while Daniels is emerging as one of the more reliable perimeter defenders in the East.
