In a thrilling showdown between the
Orlando Magic and the
Atlanta Hawks, Magic's
Paolo Banchero became the unexpected hero (for a moment) when he hit a crucial three-pointer with just 9.2 seconds remaining to even the score against the Hawks.
The stage was set with the Magic looking to make a stop.
Dejounte Murray took the ball, cruised half court looking for space to penetrate. Faces the opposing defense, goes behind the back, gets into position near the elbow, shoots... and hits the winning shot just as the buzzer sounded!
The play was originally designed for star Trae Young to receive the ball, but the Magic did a great job denying him the ball, leaving Murray as the second option.
"I'm a reactive type of player. I take advantage of what the defense gives me," Murray told the Associated Press. "Mid-range is my strong point. I made a great shot."
Murray finished the game as the top scorer with 26 points, Young contributed 18 points and 12 assists.
For the Magic, Banchero led the way with 26 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. had 18 and Jalen Suggs 16.