Dejounte Murray overcomes Magic with a buzzer-beating pullup that wins the game.

For this moment, Dejounte Murray was prepared.

When a basketball player faces the Magic and has to move the ball when opponents are either looming in the passing lanes or hooked to a guy, their options are limited to the backyard countdown that they have all practiced.

It might have been unavoidable to conclude at the buzzer because there were twenty lead changes and no advantage more than seven points at any one time. Paolo Banchero tied the game for the last time with nine seconds remaining, making a pullup three over two closing defenders as the shot clock was running out. The Hawks were still up thanks to Trae Young’s free throws. The final sequence began with the inbounds pass.

Quin Snyder gave the nod to continue play following Banchero’s three, but Dejounte got things started early in this one, much like Damian Lillard did on Sunday. Markelle Fultz was racing down the left sideline, trying to make a cut; Murray crossed right, then behind-the-back left. Murray power dribbled twice, straight into Fultz’s chest, striking him unfazed before clearing the air and letting go barely above his extended fingertips.

Murray retreated towards the spectators next to the Magic bench, propelled by his momentum. Cheers rained down from the stands as he turned to face the crowd, untucking his jersey for a statuesque staredown. He watched it go and never seemed to question its outcome. His teammates ultimately gathered for the customary throbbing mass of celebration and threw him out in the direction of the foul line.Murray and the Hawks effectively entered that inbounds with a free play as they looked at a tie at home with overtime scheduled. Murray had to push it because Fultz had already established his position and his footwork was as good as it could be. If it doesn’t fall down, it won’t be an easy one and the home fans won’t lose.