Okongwu's Buzzer Beater Lifts Hawks Over Celtics in a Nail-Biting Finish
The Atlanta Hawks secured a dramatic 108-106 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, thanks to a clutch buzzer-beater from Onyeka Okongwu. The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with both teams trading leads and neither able to pull away.
A Tightly Contested Battle
The first half was a defensive struggle, with both teams shooting below 40% from the field. However, the Hawks found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics by 10 points and taking a comfortable lead. Boston responded in the fourth, outscoring the Hawks 32-21 and forcing overtime with a late three-pointer from Jayson Tatum.
Okongwu Steps Up in Overtime
The overtime period saw the game remain extremely close. With the score tied at 106, Okongwu received a pass from Trae Young with seconds left on the clock. He calmly dribbled towards the basket, drawing defenders and creating space for a clean look. With the buzzer sounding, Okongwu released a high-arching shot that swished through the net, sending the Atlanta crowd into a frenzy.
Key Performances
Trae Young led the Hawks in scoring with 28 points and 10 assists. De'Andre Hunter added 21 points, while Okongwu finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 34 points, and Jaylen Brown added 23 points.
What's Next?
This victory is a crucial one for the Hawks, as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their next challenge will be a road matchup against the Miami Heat, who are currently leading the conference. The Celtics, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from this tough loss as they prepare for their next game against the Brooklyn Nets.
This nail-biting victory showcases the Hawks' resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Okongwu's clutch performance serves as a reminder that anyone can be the hero in the NBA, and with the Hawks' young and talented roster, exciting times are ahead.