Dyson Daniels posted a season-high 27 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and led the Atlanta Hawks to their 15th victory of the season.
But Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls came crashing down to earth with a second loss this season to the West’s last-placed New Orleans Pelicans.
In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack on Sunday night, Giddey made a tribute to the victims with a handwritten note on the shoes he wore on Monday’s (AEDT) game.
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The Melbournian scribbled ‘Australia’ with a heart on his shoes before he hit the court.
Daniels scored 27 points, a season best, against the 76s to led his team to a 120-117 victory.
His 27 points came from 13-of-19 shooting, and he added 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks in 39 minutes.
The Aussie star scored with just over a minute remaining to give the Hawks a 118-114 lead.
Quentin Grimes responded with a three-pointer and had a chance to force overtime, but the Philadelphia guard’s next three-point attempt was off.
Dyson Daniels was unstoppable in the win against the 76ers. Â NBAE via Getty Images
The Hawks narrowly escaped, handing them their 15th win of the season.
For the Bulls, the return of Zion Williamson to the Pelicans line up caused trouble as the forward scored 18 points on Monday (AEDT).
New Orleans pulled away late and bested Chicago, 114-104.
With seven points in the final four minutes, Williamson was unstoppable after he joined the game in the first quarter.
He punctuated his return with a flashy dunk with 37 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Josh Giddey posted 11 points in the Bulls match up against New Orleans. Â NBAE via Getty Images
The depleted Bulls played without guard Ayo Dosunmu, but guard Kevin Huerter returned after missing four games with a left adductor strain and scored 16 points off the bench.
Chicago lost for the eighth time in nine games. Giddey had 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the defeat.