As they reach the season’s halfway point Friday, the Atlanta Hawks know they have to kick it into high gear if they want to make a fourth straight playoff appearance.
Dejounte Murray took matters into his own hands Wednesday night, hitting an 18-foot jump shot at the buzzer to beat the Orlando Magic and help the Hawks avoid their third loss in four games.
Another opportunity arises to gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings on Friday when Atlanta travels to Miami to take on its Southeast Division rivals.
After Paolo Banchero’s triple for the Magic tied the game at 104-104 with nine seconds left, Atlanta coach Quin Snyder elected not to take a timeout and allowed Murray to win the game for the Hawks.
At 47.1 percent from the field, Murray is enjoying his best shooting season.
Despite swirling trade rumors ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline, Murray’s 21.2 points per game during Atlanta’s five-game homestand helped the Hawks to a 3-2 record.
The Heat were on the opposite side of the spectrum Wednesday, absorbing a 121-97 road loss to the Toronto Raptors. Miami never led and trailed 78-43 at halftime — a franchise record for a halftime deficit.
Miami allows just 110.9 points per game — tied for third best in the NBA entering Thursday — but Toronto knocked down a season-best 20 3-pointers.
Herro leads Miami scorers at 22.4 points per game, but struggled in Toronto, connecting on just 7 of his 20 field goals, including a 2-for-9 showing on 3-pointers.
The Heat will welcome a matchup against the Hawks. Miami has won both games against Atlanta this season and eight of the last 10 meetings.
The Hawks are vying for their first regular season win at Miami since March 2, 2021.
