Atlanta Hawks’ Murray Seals Thrilling Victory Over Boston Celtics in Overtime Nail-Biter

In a heart-stopping showdown on Thursday night, Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks emerged as the hero, sinking the Boston Celtics with a stellar 44-point performance, including the game-winning shot in the final seconds of overtime, securing a 123-122 triumph. The shot not only sealed the victory but also matched Murray’s field-goal tally with his point total, as he took a staggering 44 attempts to reach this remarkable feat.

The high-stakes final possession saw Atlanta trailing 122-121 after Jaylen Brown of the Celtics edged them with a clutch jumper. Murray, under the intense defensive pressure of five-time All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday, received the inbounds pass at halfcourt. With nerves of steel, Murray maneuvered past Holiday, finding space at the top of the key before unleashing a contested jumper that found nothing but net with a mere 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock.

This pivotal shot marked a career high for Murray, who has stepped up as Atlanta’s primary scoring option in the absence of Trae Young due to a finger injury. The victory propelled the Hawks to a 34-39 record, bringing them within striking distance of the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings. Murray’s 44 shot attempts marked the fifth-highest in an NBA game since 1984, underscoring his unwavering determination and offensive prowess.

Finishing the game with an impressive stat line of 44 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, Murray showcased his multifaceted skill set. Despite a challenging shooting night, going 18 of 44 from the field and 6-of-19 from beyond the arc, Murray’s clutch performance underscored his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion.

Since Young’s sidelining on February 23rd, Murray has been on a scoring tear, averaging 28.1 points per game, elevating his career-high scoring average to 22.4. With three 44-point outings in the 17 games since Young’s injury, Murray has been the linchpin of Atlanta’s offense, propelling them to a 10-7 record during this stretch.

The Hawks’ hard-fought victory solidifies their position in the NBA play-in race, maintaining a six-game lead over the 11th-seeded Brooklyn Nets in the standings. While Young’s return timeline remains uncertain, the Hawks remain optimistic about his potential availability for the play-in tournament.

Meanwhile, the loss holds little significance for the Celtics, who boast the best record in the NBA at 57-16 and have already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.