Dejounte Murray called game.
In another close game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks this season, Murray hit an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Hawks a 106-104 win over the visiting Magic on Thursday, Philippine time.
DEJOUNTE MURRAY GAME WINNER.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 18, 2024
pic.twitter.com/SmtUKBeciy
The wild ending of the matchup began when Trae Young made two free throws with 26.7 seconds left, 104-101. But Paolo Banchero stayed resilient and sank a much needed three at the last nine seconds with the hopes of going into another overtime affair.
Murray, however, stopped that from happening.
After Banchero’s three-pointer, Atlanta opted not to call its final timeout. Murray dribbled all the way down the floor and pulled up an 18-foot jumper for the win.
Game-saving bucket.
It was the third thriller between the two teams as the Magic won by one point in Mexico City on Nov. 9, while the Hawks won in Orlando in overtime on Jan. 7.
Murray led the Hawks in scoring with 26, while their star player Young had a rough shooting night with 18. Onyeka Okongwu provided 15 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks.
Banchero also had 26 of his own. Wendell Carter Jr. scored 18 points but missed a crucial free throw with 48 seconds left in the game clock.
What he said
Young knows that Magic-Hawks games are always close because of their same level of talent and fair amount of challenges.
“They’re a very very good defensive team that kinda sometimes struggle on offense… we’re kinda the opposite; we’re a very good offensive team that kinda struggles on defense.”
Trae Young on why it seems like the Magic and Hawks always have close matchups with each other.
— Wendell Epps (@epps_wendell) January 18, 2024
“They’re a very very good defensive team that kinda sometimes struggle on offense… we’re kinda the opposite; we’re a very good offensive team that kinda struggles on defense.” pic.twitter.com/VdIN1lON1g
Murray even showed love to Magic coach Jamahl Mosley after the game.
"I got nothing but love and respect for their coach. I see the way he coached the whole 48 minutes every single night. They got a bunch of young talented guys," he said.
Atlanta Hawks G Dejounte Murray showered HC Jamahl Mosley with praise after his game-winner:
— Fawzan Amer (@FawzanAmer_) January 18, 2024
“I got nothing but love and respect for their coach. I see the way he coached the whole 48 minutes every single night. They got a bunch of young talented guys… led by Paolo & Wagner” pic.twitter.com/OlvETeOwVZ
Murray made his game-winner amid rumors that Atlanta was shopping him for a trade. But for now, he's still a Hawk.
“The main goal is today. Today I’m an Atlanta Hawk and that’s all that matters. Help do my job and try to get a win. That’s the most important,” Murray told Andscape's Marc. J. Spears.
