Dyson Daniels Denies Gun Gesture Accusations After Win

During a game on November 3, 2024, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-111. Following a three-pointer, guard Dyson Daniels seemingly gestured towards the Pelicans' bench, which some interpreted as mimicking a gun gesture. Daniels clarified that his intention was to signal scoring three points, as he extended his arm with his thumb and two fingers up. This incident occurred amidst heightened scrutiny of player behavior, referencing Ja Morant's 25-game suspension for a similar offense earlier in the season. Both Daniels and Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. engaged in some playful back-and-forth with the opposing bench during the game. Nance celebrated with a kiss gesture after scoring, reiterating that competitive banter is part of the game and ultimately all in good fun. Daniels, who had recently returned from a hip injury that kept him sidelined for two games, expressed his excitement about the matchup against his former team and talked about the emotional aspects of being traded from New Orleans, where he spent his early career. Overall, the game exemplified the competitive spirit and camaraderie among players, even when rivalries flare up.