In a thrilling matchup, the Atlanta Hawks edged out the Boston Celtics 123-122 in overtime, thanks to Dejounte Murray‘s career-high 44 points, including the go-ahead jumper in the final second of the extra period. This victory marks the Hawks’ second win over the Celtics in just four days, a testament to their determination and resilience.
Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Match information
| Date | March 29, 2024 |
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA |
| Officials | Ed Malloy, Ray Acosta, Dannica Mosher |
| Attendance | 17,743 |
Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3-FG | FT |
| Jaylen Brown | 18 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9-17 | 0-3 | 0-0 |
| Jayson Tatum | 31 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9-22 | 2-7 | 11-13 |
| Kristaps Porzingis | 20 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8-20 | 2-7 | 2-3 |
| Jrue Holiday | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 5-11 | 3-6 | 0-0 |
| Derrick White | 22 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 8-11 | 5-6 | 1-1 |
| Xavier Tillman | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1-3 | 0-2 | – |
| Sam Hauser | 8 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3-6 | 2-4 | – |
| Payton Pritchard | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1-3 | 0-1 | 2-2 |
| Luke Kornet | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 2-2 |
| Oshae Brissett | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Svi Mykhailiuk | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Al Horford | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Atlanta Hawks Match Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3-FG | FT |
| Vit Krejci | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1-1 | 0-0 | – |
| De’Andre Hunter | 21 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8-16 | 5-9 | 0-3 |
| Clint Capela | 12 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6-8 | – | – |
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | 24 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 9-19 | 2-8 | 4-4 |
| Dejounte Murray | 44 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 18-44 | 6-19 | 2-2 |
| Garrison Mathews | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3-5 | 1-3 | – |
| Bruno Fernando | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3-3 | – | 0-1 |
| Wesley Matthews | 3 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1-5 | – |
| Trent Forrest | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2-2 | – | – |
| Jalen Johnson | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Dylan Windler | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Trae Young | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Game Overview
Murray’s impressive performance showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, scoring all 11 of Atlanta’s points in overtime. His confidence and clutch gene were on full display as he celebrated the go-ahead jumper before being congratulated by teammate Garrison Mathews.
The Celtics, who have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the East, were reminded that they can’t afford to relax, especially against a team like the Hawks, who are fighting for a play-in spot. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Hawks’ strength, saying, “That’s a really good team.”
The game saw several lead changes, with Jaylen Brown sinking a go-ahead jumper with 6 seconds remaining in overtime, only for Murray to answer with the winning shot over Jrue Holiday. The Celtics’ coach had expected this defensive matchup, showing his trust in Holiday’s abilities.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and De’Andre Hunter contributed significantly to the Hawks’ win, scoring 24 and 21 points, respectively, with Hunter adding 13 rebounds. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis and Brown scored 20 and 18 points, respectively.
The Hawks’ victory is a testament to their never-give-up attitude, as they’ve won four straight games despite a depleted lineup. Murray’s presence was crucial, as he played through lower back soreness, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s success.
Read More: Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks Match Player Stats
As the regular season draws to a close, the Celtics must remain vigilant, knowing that they may face the Hawks again in the first round of the playoffs. The Hawks, meanwhile, will continue to fight for a play-in spot, determined to make a deep playoff run.
In conclusion, the Hawks’ thrilling overtime victory serves as a reminder that no team can be underestimated, and the Celtics must stay focused to achieve their championship aspirations.