Hawks Win 11th Straight as Player Sinks 74-Foot Shot

When everything's going your way, even your mistakes turn into magic.

Jonathan Kuminga learned that Wednesday night when his attempted pass from 74 feet away swished through the net as the third quarter ended. The Atlanta Hawks forward watched in disbelief as the ball sailed past his intended target and straight into the basket, earning three points and a place in NBA history.

The shot marked the eighth-longest in the NBA's play-by-play era, which dates back to 1997. It also broke the Hawks' franchise record, surpassing Jason Terry's 63-footer from January 2000.

Kuminga's reaction told the whole story. He appeared to be targeting teammate Jock Landale under the rim when the buzzer forced him to heave the ball. His surprised expression when it dropped through the net suggested the basket was pure luck, but his teammates didn't care about intent.

The improbable shot came during Atlanta's 135-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, extending their winning streak to 11 games. The Hawks now sit at 38-31, tied with the Miami Heat for seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

The Ripple Effect

Atlanta's surge couldn't come at a better time. The team trails the sixth-place Orlando Magic by just half a game for the final guaranteed playoff spot, transforming what looked like a mediocre season into a potential postseason run.

Kuminga arrived in Atlanta at the trade deadline after spending four and a half seasons with the Golden State Warriors. The Hawks acquired him and Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, and the move has already paid dividends.

Through his first six games with Atlanta, Kuminga has contributed 14.6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His energy and athleticism have helped fuel the Hawks' transformation from playoff hopeful to legitimate contender.

The 11-game winning streak represents more than just victories on paper. It shows a team finding its identity at exactly the right moment, building chemistry and confidence heading into the most crucial part of the season.

Sometimes the best moments happen when you're not trying too hard, and Atlanta is riding that momentum all the way to the finish line.