Aussie NBA rookie Dyson Daniels blows win over Lakers with ‘brutal’ shocker

Australian NBA rookie Dyson Daniels has been taught a brutal lesson after a blunder cost his team victory against the LA Lakers.

Practice your free throws, kids.

Australian rookie Dyson Daniels has learned that lesson the hard way after his New Orleans Pelicans suffered a brutal 120-117 overtime loss to the LA Lakers on Thursday (AEDT).

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Daniels had the chance to win one of the most entertaining games of the NBA season so far when we went to the free throw line with just 1.6 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter.

Just one point would have been enough to put give Pelicans a four-point lead and ensure victory but he missed both shots, leaving the door open for the Lakers.

Sure enough, LA’s Mat Ryan nailed an extremely tough fadeaway three-pointer from the corner on the following play to level the scores.

The game went to overtime and the Lakers were too good, cruising to a three point win — just their second of the season.

Dyson Daniels will want to forget that shocker quickly. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NBA fans couldn’t help but point out Daniels could have buried the Lakers if he sunk just one of his free throw attempts.

Ooooof what an early NBA lesson for Dyson Daniels https://t.co/4m9Zoor1IG

— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) November 3, 2022

Man, Dyson Daniels needs to go to whatever support group you send the kickers who miss game-winning/tying PATs. Brutal.

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) November 3, 2022

That play only worked because New Orleans rookie Dyson Daniels missed 2 FT's with 1.6 seconds left. Lakers grabbed the board and called time out to advance the ball.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 3, 2022

Happened right after Pelicans rookie Dyson Daniels missed two free throws with 1.6 seconds left. One would’ve sealed it. Lakers win.

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) November 3, 2022

Dyson Daniels had a chance to put it away before the Matt Ryan shot, but missed both free throws with 1.6 seconds left.

— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) November 3, 2022

Yeah been hyping Dyson all game. Gotta hit your free throws

— Corey Rholdon (@Corey_RholdonTV) November 3, 2022

Also, I know Dyson Daniels is SICK. Rookie choked away the game.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 3, 2022

Dyson Daniels sold so bad

— Ku (@KuKhahil) November 3, 2022

The Pelicans had an 87.2% win probability when Dyson Daniels entered the game for Zion Williamson. It jumped to about 98-99% when Daniels was fouled with 1.6 seconds left. pic.twitter.com/1GPlz64nbQ

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 3, 2022

Speaking after the loss: Pelicans coach Willie Green said: “This is definitely a growth moment for some of our young guys.”

It was a shame for Daniels, who had a very solid all-round game with eight points, five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of game time.

The 19-year-old had a highlight play when he managed to strip the ball out of LeBron James’ grasp in the third quarter without fouling him.

Dyson rips the ball from Lebron 😤 pic.twitter.com/GSemtK25su

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 3, 2022

DYSON DANIELS TAKES IT AWAY FROM LEBRON

— Jake Madison (@NOLAJake) November 3, 2022

Holy Dyson Daniels.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) November 3, 2022

Daniels, who was taken with the eighth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown he is already an elite defender early in his rookie season, taking it right up to James, Russell Westbrook and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.

The loss means the Pelicans’ win-loss record is now 4-3 while the Lakers move to 2-5.

LeBron James’ Lakers were too good for Zion Williamson’s Pelicans. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

Originally published as Aussie NBA rookie Dyson Daniels blows win over Lakers with ‘brutal’ shocker