NEW DELHI: Dejounte Murray led the Atlanta Hawks to a 126-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons, scoring 32 points and providing 10 assists. The win handed the Pistons their ninth consecutive loss. Saddiq Bey contributed 19 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17, and De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson each contributed 16 points for the Hawks in their NBA in-season tournament opener.
Despite missing star guard Trae Young due to personal reasons, the Hawks showcased their offensive depth and resilience. Marvin Bagley III led the Pistons with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Ausar Thompson had an impactful performance with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
The game featured back-and-forth action, with the Hawks holding a 64-60 halftime advantage. Murray had an impressive first half with 17 points and five assists, while Bogdanovic added 15 points.
In the second half, Detroit made a strong start with an 8-2 run, led by Bagley. However, the Hawks regained control with a 93-85 lead after a three-pointer by Bey. Murray and Hunter continued to make key plays, maintaining a 97-91 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Cade Cunningham, the star rookie for the Pistons, faced defensive pressure from the Hawks and was limited to nine points on 4-of-14 shooting. Despite a late surge by the Pistons, Murray's strong performance, along with crucial plays from his teammates, secured the Hawks' victory. A steal by Murray and a layup by Bey extended the lead, and the Hawks closed the game with a 10-3 run, securing the win and breaking their losing streak.
(With Reuters inputs)