After missing the season opener, Keegan Murray showed why the Sacramento Kings took him early in the draft after impressing in his NBA debut on Saturday.
Murray produced 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots in a 111-109 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He went 7-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, in nearly 33 minutes of work off the bench.
The performance came after the fourth pick dazzled in the preseason, averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, two steals and one assist on 70% shooting from 3-point range in two games. He seemingly picked up where he left off with a strong start.
Murray explained his mindset heading into the season.
I just think the level of competition the higher you go up, the simpler you have to try and make the game. It is something that when you get on this stage, some people tend to do too much. I try and make the game as simple as possible in that aspect. I’m as confident a player as you’re ever going to meet so I think the higher I go up, the more confident I get.
Murray missed the final two games of the preseason after entering the health and safety protocol. He was eventually cleared to return to the team on Wednesday and participate in back-to-back practices on Thursday and Friday, clearing the way for him to debut.
The 22-year-old displayed a level of confidence and decisiveness throughout the contest on Saturday. He was poised and rarely looked like a first-year player going up against the likes of Paul George and others on the stacked Clippers’ roster.
Above all else, Murray was just excited to play in a meaningful game.
I think finally being able to be on the court. Obviously, opening night would have been special, but tonight was special, as well. I’m grateful for the people in Sacramento and the turnout and am just excited to play more games in the Golden 1 Center.
Murray has performed at a high level in each game to this point between the summer league and the preseason. He continued that trend in his debut and looks poised for a strong rookie campaign this season with the Kings.
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