Career High for Dejounte Murray in overtime win vs Boston Celtics

Having dominated the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics can utilize the final stretch of the regular season to gear up for the playoffs. Facing the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Celtics are aware they can't afford to let their guard down. Dejounte Murray's stellar performance, culminating in a career-high 44 points and a clutch go-ahead jumper in overtime's waning seconds, propelled the Hawks to a thrilling 123-122 win over the Celtics on Thursday night.

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Amidst a flurry of injuries plaguing the team, the Atlanta Hawks have found a remarkable stride, exuding confidence on the court. Despite their roster setbacks, they managed to extend their lead over the Brooklyn Nets in tonight's matchup, edging closer to the coveted 9th spot currently held by the Chicago Bulls.


As the game unfolded, it was evident that both squads were determined to leave their mark on the court. The Boston Celtics, buoyed by the return of key starters Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, lined up alongside stalwarts Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis. On the other end, Dejounte Murray, albeit nursing lower back soreness, was deemed fit to start for the Hawks, flanked by Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vit Krejci, De'Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela.

In contrast to their previous encounters, tonight's showdown witnessed a departure from the usual three-point barrage, with both teams opting to capitalize on interior scoring opportunities. Despite the Celtics' dominant performance in the first quarter, fueled by Porzingis' impressive 12-point outing, the Hawks refused to yield. Porzingis, showcasing his versatility and offensive prowess, exploited mismatches to give Boston an early advantage.

However, as the game progressed, the Hawks mounted a spirited comeback, showcasing their resilience and determination to seize control. With each possession, the intensity heightened, setting the stage for a captivating battle between two Eastern Conference powerhouses.

The final moments of the game unfolded into a whirlwind of action and intensity. With the Boston Celtics clinging to a narrow 102-101 lead, Dejounte Murray rose to the occasion, sinking a crucial three-pointer to tilt the score in favor of the Atlanta Hawks, now ahead 104-102. A foul by Holiday following a missed shot by Boston paved the way for the Hawks to extend their lead to 106-102 with two successful free throws.

In a rapid succession of plays, White's three-pointer narrowed the gap to 106-105, injecting fresh momentum into the Celtics' efforts. Despite initial missed attempts, the Hawks capitalized on an offensive rebound, allowing Bogdanovic to clinch the lead with a pivotal shot. As the clock ticked down, Tatum's missed shot and subsequent rebound basket increased the Celtics' lead to 112-109, seemingly placing the Hawks in a precarious position.

Yet, undeterred, the Hawks mounted a relentless comeback. Hunter's missed free throws were countered by Brown's clutch shot, keeping Boston in the lead at 110-109. However, Murray's resilient performance turned the tide once again, as he sunk a crucial shot to tie the game at 112-112. Bogdanovic's three-pointer with 26.7 seconds left epitomized Atlanta's unwavering determination.

Murray's remarkable display underscored his indispensability to the Hawks, particularly in the absence of key players. Despite his 44 attempted shots, Murray's 44-point performance was instrumental in securing the victory against the league's top team. Bogdanovic and Hunter complemented Murray's efforts with stellar contributions, amassing 24 and 22 points, respectively, while Capela's double-double bolstered Atlanta's interior presence.

On the opposing end, the Celtics' offensive firepower was led by Tatum's 31 points, supported by White, Porzingis, and Brown. However, Atlanta's dominance on the boards and in second-chance points underscored their resilience and determination.

This hard-fought win propels Atlanta to their fourth consecutive victory, underscoring their resilience and depth despite adversity. As they conclude their home stand against Milwaukee, the Hawks' triumph serves as a reminder of their playoff potential, instilling confidence as they prepare for potential postseason matchups, including a potential rematch against the Celtics.

Source Sports Illustrated : Dejounte Murray Scores Career High 44 Points And Hits Game Winning Shot As Hawks Beat Boston 123-122 in Overtime
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Source TSN : Murray scores career-high 44 points as Hawks outlast Celtics in OT