A quick look at the first round of the last Draft makes it clear: Keegan Murray is the only rookie in the league to have played a significant role during these playoffs. What’s more against the defending champions, the Warriors.
Despite his 22 years and his inexperience in the Big League, the winger has indeed kept his place in Mike Brown’s five majors, which he joined in his third regular season game to never leave him.
A complicated start to the first round for him with only 3 points on average at 23% over the first three meetings. ” The fourth game was a turning point for me “, remarks the rookie, during his final press conference, on his exit to 23 points (9/13) and 7 rebounds, in a defeat of the Kings. The winger then chained three new meetings to at least 10 points, an average of 14.5 units (51%) over the last four games.
” Throughout the series, I felt good. The first two matches, the guys got going. The third game, I quickly had problems with fouls, I tried to start aggressively taking a few shots very early. I think I took three shots in the first six minutes. At that moment I knew I could be aggressive and smart for the rest of the game. “Develops Keegan Murray, who finished with five fouls that night.
This rise in address was expected by his teammates. After Game 5, where he finished with 10 points and 5 attempted shots, De’Aaron Fox had also demanded that the team open up more opportunities for him. ” He’s one of the best shooters in the league and I think he only took one shot in the first quarter. So we gotta help it be open », Formulated the leader, without exaggerating on the status of his teammate.
Not just 3-point shooting
With 206 baskets scored in the regular season, Keegan Murray signed a record for a rookie. Also, his excellent 41% of address by far over the season allowed him to finish at the gates of the Top 20 of the league in this area.
” As the series progressed, he regained his confidence and didn’t just shoot 3-pointers. He was dribbling, going through traffic, shooting floaters, mid-range shots. Difficult shots that he didn’t really take during the year. It’s something we can see and expect for next year to be more active with the ball », remarks his teammate Domantas Sabonis.
The latter should be requested by the rookie for joint training during the off-season. Keegan Murray intends to work in all sectors. ” It’s about being able to look at stats, videos and break down what I need to work on. I know the offseason will be important for me “, Displays the rookie who had time to attract the praise of big names in the league during this series.
” The confidence and intelligence with which he plays: it’s really a revelation », said Jeff Van Gundy. ” I’m terribly impressed with Keegan Murray. Not just by his shooting, but his overall game. He is asked, in a Game 6, to defend on Klay Thompson. You have to be disciplined, intelligent and involved “listed Mark Jackson.
It is to say if the rookie marked the spirits, after a regular season already accomplished. “ This streak has made me more confident than ever in my ability to move forward and reach my potential in the NBA. “, he concludes.
| Keegan Murray | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2022-23 | BAG | 80 | 30 | 45.3 | 41.1 | 76.5 | 1.1 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 12.2 |
| Total | 80 | 30 | 45.3 | 41.1 | 76.5 | 1.1 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 12.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
