After dominating the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are getting ready for the playoffs as the regular season wraps up. They learned they couldn’t let up if they faced the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.
Dejounte Murray had a career night with 44 points, including a clutch jumper in overtime, leading the Hawks to a 123-122 win over the Celtics on Thursday.
Murray scored all 11 of Atlanta’s points in overtime, securing their second victory over Boston in four days. Both teams currently hold the top and tenth seeds in the Eastern Conference.
“That’s a really strong team,” said Boston coach Joe Mazzulla. Jaylen Brown’s go-ahead jumper with 6 seconds left in overtime briefly put Boston ahead 122-121, but Murray’s response over Jrue Holiday sealed the win for Atlanta.
“We wanted Jrue Holiday guarding Murray at that moment,” Mazzulla said. Murray, who was questionable due to back soreness, celebrated his game-winning shot, showing his confidence.
“I thrive in those moments,” Murray said after his 18-for-44 shooting performance. Bogdan Bogdanović contributed 24 points, and De’Andre Hunter added 21 points and 13 rebounds as Atlanta extended their win streak to four games.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Kristaps Porziņģis and Brown scored 20 and 18 points, respectively. Bogdanovic wasn’t worried about Murray missing the game, knowing his teammate’s determination.
“He never gives up,” Bogdanovic said. “Whenever he’s questionable, I know he’ll play.” The Hawks pulled off their fourth straight win, even with key players sidelined. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson have been out for several games due to injuries.
“We’re not aiming to lose,” Murray said, dismissing any talk of tanking. “We’re pushing to win and climb higher.”
Boston’s Al Horford sat out due to a toe sprain, while the Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey remain sidelined with injuries. During halftime, a lucky Hawks fan made a halfcourt shot, winning $10,000.
