Aussies Abroad: Daniels' defensive exploits can't stop Lakers

Dyson Daniels has done his best to steal the show, but compatriot Matisse Thybulle gained Aussie bragging rights after his Los Angeles Lakers beat Atlanta 124-114 in their NBA clash.

Daniels, known as the "Great Barrier Thief" because of his defensive excellence, was at it again on Monday night (Tuesday AEDT), making four steals to go with his 10 points, six rebounds and eight assists for the Hawks.

However, Thybulle and the Lakers (10-2) had the last laugh, Luka Doncic leading the way for the visitors with 32 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists as the side extended their winning streak to six games.

Thybulle played 23 minutes and finished with six points, three steals and one assist.

Walker Kessler had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Collin Sexton had 18 points and six assists off the bench for the Lakers.

Daniels was the primary defender on Doncic, and while he netted a rare three-pointer, the Boomers star was unable to take the home side to victory.

CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 21 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 and Oneka Okongwu 16 for Atlanta (7-5), who saw their winning streak end at four games.

Another Australian, Jock Landale, had 14 minutes of court time for the Hawks, finishing with five points, five rebounds and one assist.

In Charlotte, Grayson Allen scored 27 points and Naz Reid added 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Hornets beat Cleveland 124-112 to snap a six-game losing streak.

Tidjane Salaun added 14 points off the bench and Ryan Kalkbrenner had 15 rebounds for the hosts.

They built a 33-point lead in the third quarter, then hung on to win after the Cavaliers cut the lead to 118-110 with four minutes left.

Meleek Thomas led the way for the Cavs (5-6) with 18 points, while Australian Tyrese Proctor played 18 minutes for 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.

The Hornets, eager for their first win since October 26, enjoyed a game-high 33-point lead in the third quarter and improved their record to 4-7, without starters Brandon Miller (hip strain), Kon Knueppel (hamstring) and Moussa Diabate (quadriceps).

In Toronto, Ty Jerome scored 27 points as the Memphis Grizzlies improved to 5-0 on the road by beating the short-handed Raptors 118-102.

And in Detroit, John Collins had 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 122-111.