SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 26: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball … [+] against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on December 26, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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The Sacramento Kings have become a bit of a mess this season, winning just 13 of their first 32 games, firing head coach Mike Brown, and seeing third-year forward Keegan Murray become a shell of himself.
For now, let’s focus exclusively on Murray, who has had an outright weird season.
The former lottery pick took a step up last year, averaging over 15 points, doing more with the ball in his hands, and looking primed for a third-year breakout.
Then the Kings signed DeMar DeRozan, which killed their spacing, and now Murray is putting up 11.9 points per night on the worst efficiency of his career.
But it’s not that straightforward.
While Murray’s offense looks genuinely awful this season, his defense has never been better, and he’s made a strong effort in establishing himself on the glass, grabbing 7.4 per game and turning that former weakness of his, into a strength.
So it isn’t as linear as Murray having just regressed across the board, which is usually the case when someone struggles. There are literally elements that have never been better, just as there are elements that have never been worse.
The oddity of his season makes him a bit unpredictable. The Kings, who need their 6’8 switchable forward to produce on both ends of the court, flat-out cannot expect him to do that at this stage, meaning that necessitates an over reliance on De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and the aforementioned DeRozan.
So, what can be done to help Murray along, which would, in turn, help the Kings get back to something more consistent?
For one, the coaching staff will need to find ways for Murray to get quicker downhill, and all the way to the basket. The third-year man has always had a knack for finishing near the rim, hitting a ridiculously effective 81.5% of his shots within three feet this season, and struggling mostly everywhere else.
For Murray to establish himself on the interior, and seeing more and more shots get converted, it should boost his confidence and rhythm to a point where he can begin to re-balance himself offensively, and slowly transition towards being more comfortable with the three-point shot, of which he’s currently hitting just 29.1% on the season.
The fact that Murray’s flanked by Fox and Sabonis, both strong playmakers, is an asset, and would function as a major component of such a plan, as that would allow the 6’8 wing to move a lot more off the ball, finding seams in the defense of which to utilize.
It won’t be painless, and Murray will undoubtedly go through stretches where he feels uncomfortable playing primarily as a driver, but if it means a higher likelihood of returning to form, so be it.
Sacramento Kings fans, it’s time to rally behind our rookie forward Keegan Murray and help him get back to the form that made him a standout player at Iowa.
Murray, the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, showed flashes of brilliance early in the season but has struggled to find consistency in recent games. As a fanbase, we need to show our support for him and help boost his confidence on the court.
Murray has the potential to be a key player for the Kings in the future, and we need to make sure he knows we believe in him. Let’s cheer him on, offer words of encouragement, and show him that we have his back no matter what.
Sacramento, let’s get Keegan Murray back to form and help him reach his full potential as a member of the Kings. #GoKingsGo #KeeganMurray
Murray totaled 11 points (4-11 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 37 minutes during Thursday’s 114-113 loss to Detroit.
Murray needed to step things up without Domantas Sabonis (illness) in the lineup, and he gave the team the rebound boost it needed during a poor shooting night. Absorbing Sabonis’ production is no easy feat, and Murray’s errant shot, coupled with tepid numbers from Alex Len diluted Sacramento’s potential. The Kings stuck with Detroit despite Sabonis’ absence, and his eventual return will shift Murray back into a more customary role.
In a tough loss for the Iowa Hawkeyes, standout forward Keegan Murray put up an impressive performance with a double-double. Despite the defeat, Murray showcased his talent and versatility on the court.
Murray finished the game with double-digit points and rebounds, showing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His scoring touch and relentless effort on the boards were on full display, earning him praise from fans and analysts alike.
As one of the top players in college basketball, Murray continues to impress with his all-around game and work ethic. His performance in this game serves as a reminder of his potential and bright future ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on Keegan Murray and the Iowa Hawkeyes as they continue their season. #KeeganMurray #IowaHawkeyes #CollegeBasketball #DoubleDouble
Keegan Murray posted a double-double for the Kings Thursday night, grabbing 12 rebounds and chipping in 11 points (4-11 FG, 1-7 3PT, 2-2 FT) while also blocking one shot, dishing out two assists, and recording one steal in a 114-113 loss to the Pistons.
Fantasy Impact:
Murray continues a steady stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with four or more rebounds and 10 or more points in each of his last five games. The forward continues to offer fantasy managers a safe option in lineups as part of a balanced Sacramento starting five, averaging 12.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game to go along with a usage rate of 15.0% so far this season.
Iowa Hawkeyes standout Keegan Murray continued to impress on Thursday night, posting a double-double against the Detroit Pistons. The young forward scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a strong performance that showcased his versatility and skill on the court.
Murray, who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in college basketball, has been turning heads with his performances this season. His ability to score from all over the court, as well as his tenacity on the boards, make him a player to watch as the NBA draft approaches.
Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes and basketball enthusiasts alike are eagerly following Murray’s journey, and his latest double-double is sure to only further solidify his status as a rising star in the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on Keegan Murray as he continues to make waves in the basketball world.
The Arizona Cardinals 2024 season is almost impossible to judge as a significant step forward, or a colossal failure.
On paper, the Cardinals made significant progress in year two of the Jonathan Gannon era after winning just four games in his first year in the desert in 2023.
With two games remaining in the NFL regular season, Arizona (7-8) has a chance to double its win total from last season — and if the Cardinals could pull off victories over both the Rams and 49ers to close out the year, they would knock the Rams out of the playoffs and finish with a winning record.
By most metrics, that would be viewed as a successful season, but the Cardinals were in the driver’s seat to take a wide-open NFC West crown earlier this year and never capitalized.
After starting the 2024 season with a (1-3) record, the Arizona Cardinals found a groove in the middle of their schedule, winning five of their six games from Oct. 6 to Nov. 10.
The first victory to launch the winning streak came over the San Francisco 49ers, who many still believed would make another Super Bowl run at the time back in early October.
The Cardinals knocked off reputable teams like the Chargers and Dolphins along the way, while taking care of business against scrappy but underperforming squads like the Bears and the Jets.
Still, it felt like the young offensive nucleus of Kyler Murray, rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride and veteran RB James Conner in the backfield were finding a groove that was sustainable.
Arizona put up at least 24 points in four out of the five wins during that span, and the defense played well enough to keep opposing offenses from lighting up the scoreboard.
But then the wheels fell off in late November, when the Cardinals lost to the Seahawks, and then the Vikings, and then the Seahawks again in a three-week span. The Dec.22 OT loss to the Carolina Panthers sealed Arizona’s fate.
All things considered, the Cardinals took positive steps forward in 2024. They’ll have a chance to double their win total from 2023 and could even finish with their first winning season since 2021 if they can win the final two games of the season. Throw in the fact that they are toward the top of the league in cap space, and it’s not hard to see Monti Ossenfort putting together a roster that can win the NFC West next season.
They have no major impending free agents, so they could use that cash to put some enticing offers out to a few impact free agents and push this thing to the next level.
Building out the defense is going to be the most challenging part of the offseason. The Cardinals have needs at some of the important positions. Cornerbacks and edge-rushers are the hardest things to find, and the Cardinals need new answers at both positions.
The offense has a lot of exciting pieces with Kyler Murray throwing the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride behind an offensive line that features Paris Johnson Jr., but the Cardinals have spent a lot of resources on offense and need to balance things out.
There are already murmurs about Arizona considering bringing in a veteran QB to compete with Murray ahead of the 2025 season but it feels like his job is safe for now. If the Arizona Cardinals have a lackluster start next season or fall short again? Both Murray and Gannon could be gone in a flash.
The Arizona Cardinals have high hopes for the 2025 season, with many experts predicting them to be a playoff team. However, there is a potential cloud hanging over the team in the form of head coach Jonathan Gannon and star quarterback Kyler Murray possibly leaving.
Gannon, who has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, has been rumored to be a top candidate for several head coaching vacancies around the league. If he were to leave, it could have a significant impact on the team’s future success.
Similarly, Murray, who has been a dynamic playmaker for the Cardinals, is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. If the team is unable to secure his services long-term, it could drastically change their outlook for the playoffs.
Despite these potential challenges, the Cardinals are still expected to be a strong contender in 2025. With a talented roster and solid coaching staff, they have the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run. Only time will tell if they can overcome the obstacles in their path and fulfill their potential.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 5, 2018, on the Daily’s projects website. Due to degradation issues on that platform and to preserve the continuity of the Daily’s digital archive, this version replicates that story backdated to its original time of publication.
As Baker Mayfield addressed the Oklahoma media for the final time following Oklahoma’s 54-48 double overtime loss to Georgia in last season’s Rose Bowl, Kyler Murray sat on the floor just feet away. His head hung, deep in thought.
“They are in great hands,” a somber Mayfield said that night in Pasadena as Murray sat to his left. “They have the best coach in the country, and Kyler is the best athlete in the country. They’re going to be just fine.”
Mayfield was right.
Now 341 days since that game, Oklahoma is sitting right back where it was a year ago, and Murray, arguably the Heisman Trophy favorite, is taking a walk in Mayfield’s shoes. First, in New York this weekend. Then, in the College Football Playoff seminal. He’s electrified the college football world in maybe his final season playing football and has the chance to bring home the hardware to show for it Saturday night. He’s etched his name in Oklahoma lore and his legacy may soon be set in bronze on Jenkins Avenue — something that’s been on his mind since he sat on that Rose Bowl locker room floor.
“I’ve prepared my whole life to lead a university to a national championship,” Murray said after the Rose Bowl. “It’s been a dream of mine to do that and do more.”
Now, he’s two wins away from clinching a national title and one night in New York from doing more.
‘I’ve prepared my whole life…’
Trailing Coppell High School 13-7 going into the fourth quarter, then-Allen High School head coach Tom Westerberg made a decision. He sat his senior quarterback and put in a sophomore — a transfer from Lewisville — who had shown during mop-up duty in the previous five games a spark few have. The 16-year-old kid led Allen on a nine-play 68-yard drive to start the fourth quarter, ending with him finding the end zone on a four-yard run. On the ensuing possession, he broke a 49-yard touchdown run to give Allen a 21-13 edge in the final quarter.
This, of course, was Murray before anyone knew who he was.
Murray and the Eagles would go on to lose to Coppell in overtime that Friday night, 27-24. But Murray, who started every game of his high school career from then on, would still lead Allen to a state championship in 2012. Six years later, everyone in college football knows his high school accolades. Perfect 43-0 record as a starter. Three state championships. Gatorade Player of the Year. So on and so forth.
But Murray’s football career hasn’t always been one filled with success — one can look to College Station for the first example. Murray’s one season at Texas A&M was filled with ups and downs, earning the starting position midseason only to lose it a few games later and eventually transferring to OU where he sat for two years behind Mayfield.
“I thank Baker for sure. He doesn’t know it, but I thank him more than anyone,” Murray said Monday. “I’m appreciative that I did get to the opportunity to — obviously I’m a competitor and didn’t want to sit for the time that I did, but I don’t think I’d be here right now or playing the way I am if I didn’t get to see how it’s done.”
Murray gave Sooner Nation glimpses in 2017 of what was to come in 2018. His 87-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Brown against Tulane and his 65-yard run on the first play against West Virginia are prime examples. He stayed patient that 2017 season, and now he’s reaping the reward.
From taking over against Coppell in the fourth quarter to sitting behind Mayfield for a year to that scamper against West Virginia, Murray waited his turn. And now, in likely his only season at Oklahoma, he’s grabbed the attention of the nation just like his predecessor told the country months ago.
“He’s going to break all my records,” Mayfield told Bleacher Report in June. “He’s that good.”
Then-sophomore quarterback Kyler Murray carries the ball after then-senior quarterback Baker Mayfield passes the ball to him at the Rose Bowl Jan. 1.
‘… to lead a university to a national championship…’
Again, Mayfield wasn’t wrong.
Murray has had one of the most memorable seasons to date, full of Heisman moments and statistics that will leave him among college football’s best for years to come. His choice to play one last season, despite being drafted No. 9 overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 MLB Draft, has paid off — big time.
“I’ve been playing this game my entire life,” Murray said. “To leave this game with a bad taste in my mouth, after my freshman year at A&M, that’s just not who I am. I’ve worked my whole life for this. So for me, leaving after getting drafted was never an option.
“For the people that say I’m crazy for doing it, that’s just not who I am.”
Murray has been a human highlight reel this season. The bombs to Marquise Brown, the mesmerizing runs and the escape-artist esque scrambles have been plentiful. And he’s statistically having one of the greatest seasons in college football history.
“Just to watch it live — it’s like you’re watching a smaller Michael Vick,” said Jason White, who won the 2003 Heisman Trophy while at OU. “To have to fill the shoes of Baker Mayfield and what he’s done for the program, that’s a daunting task. And Kyler took it by the horns and ran with it. He’s exceeded my expectations.”
He’s on the verge of breaking Mayfield’s passing efficiency record (198.9), Russell Wilson’s total QBR record (94.2) and Sam Bradford’s total touchdown school record (55). He’s already passed Mayfield in total touchdowns (48) and yards in one less game (4,938).
But when fans look back at this season, it won’t be the stats or accolades they remember most, it’ll be the season-defining plays he made.
The 15-yard scramble against Florida Atlantic in Norman. The 67-yard against Texas at the Cotton Bowl. The fourth down conversion against West Virginia in Morgantown. And the game-sealing touchdown pass to Grant Calcaterra in the Big 12 Championship.
Those are the moments Murray will be remembered for.
“I pride myself on trying to come through for the team,” Murray said. “I just do my job the best I can do it.”
‘… and do more.’
In September, former Allen offensive coordinator Jeff Fleener had his friend place a bet for him in Las Vegas. Fleener put $20 on Murray, who he coached from 2012-14, to win the Heisman.
The ticket from the bet Jeff Fleener placed on Kyler Murray to win the Heisman Trophy.
Courtesy of Jeff Fleener
“I just wanted the ticket that said ‘Kyler Murray for Heisman,’” Fleener said, who will be in New York for the ceremony after promising Murray he’d go if he made it. “I probably should have bet more money on him, to be honest… I knew he would be there.”
But it’s not about the money Fleener will win, yet the confidence he had in his quarterback.
And that’s why those that know Murray best, including himself, are not surprised he will be in New York Saturday night. His confidence in himself shines when his team needs him most. He’s been Oklahoma’s most valuable asset, feeling the pressure of being perfect week-in and week-out thanks to a defense that makes him have to respond nearly every time he touches the ball.
“You can look at stats all day long, but if you sit back and turn on the tape and watch Kyler play a game, watch Dwayne play a game and then watch Tua play a game,” White said, “which guy matters most for his team? And I think that’s easy to answer.”
There’s something that divides Murray from his competition. Tagovailoa and Haskins have undoubtly had great seasons, but Murray’s ability to put his team on his back every Saturday — those moments mentioned early — are what separate him from the pack.
“He’s a winner. He has that killer instinct. He’s the total package,” said former OU running back Billy Sims, who won the 1978 Heisman Trophy. “To me, he’s already won the Heisman.”
Owning a quiet personality with a loud game, Murray will nonchalantly enjoy New York City and Times Square over the weekend. It’s another opportunity for him to dress up (he told the media he will be wearing black on Saturday) and possibly give a short speech as he so often does.
But this is something he’s dreamed of, something he’s wanted since that night in Pasadena. While a goodbye may soon be coming, Saturday night won’t mark the end of his football career, it will instead celebrate the incredible season no one expected but himself.
“It went by quick,” Murray said. “For me, one season or a one-and-done type deal possibly, it’s been everything I dreamed of…
“And it’s all been worth it.”
The Heisman Trophy has evolved from a humble accolade to a year-long production, orchestrated by media outlets and wishful athletic departments.
Forged in the coal-mining region of northeast Oklahoma, Billy Vessels used an arsenal of toughness and speed to capture OU’s first Heisman Trophy.
Steve Owens was a workhorse for the Sooners, earning records and a statue that have stood the tests of time.
Billy Sims hit his lowest point as a sophomore before realizing the potential coach Barry Switzer saw in him all along.
Jason White overcame two ACL tears to lead the Sooners to a Heisman Trophy and back-to-back national championship game appearances.
Sam Bradford was gifted enough to be a good quarterback at Oklahoma. His work ethic, however, made him elite.
Baker Mayfield used to play on a field near Heisman Park as a kid. He’s now primed to add his own statue among Oklahoma’s elite.
Baker Mayfield grew up playing near Heisman Park as a kid. Soon, he’ll have his own statue there.
Kyler Murray’s high school coach knew he’d be in New York. Now he’s about to take home the hardware to prove it.
Kyler Murray’s high school coach knew he’d be in New York. Now he’s bringing the hardware back to Norman.
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Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winners: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray, the dynamic quarterback from the University of Oklahoma, made history by winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2018. Murray became the seventh player from Oklahoma to receive this honor, joining a prestigious list of college football legends.
Murray’s electrifying play on the field captivated fans and impressed Heisman voters, as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability and incredible athleticism set him apart from the competition, making him a deserving recipient of the Heisman Trophy.
In addition to his on-field success, Murray’s leadership and work ethic were also instrumental in leading Oklahoma to a successful season. His dedication to his craft and his team helped propel the Sooners to the College Football Playoff, where they narrowly missed out on a national championship.
Murray’s Heisman win solidified his place in college football history and cemented his status as one of the greatest players to ever come out of Oklahoma. As he continues his football career in the NFL, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see if he can replicate his success at the next level.
Congratulations to Kyler Murray on his Heisman Trophy win and best of luck in his future endeavors! Oklahoma is proud to have him represent the Sooner nation.
The Cardinals can’t make the playoffs, but quarterback Kyler Murray said at a Tuesday press conference that there won’t be “any foot off the gas” in the final two weeks of the season.
One of the things that Murray will be focused on as they play out the string is his connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison was the first receiver picked in this year’s draft and he was seen as a can’t miss prospect, but his production — 51 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns — has not been as high as fellow rookies Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas or Ladd McConkey.
Murray said Tuesday that the two players have “no choice” but to work on their connection “in order for our offense to be what we want it to be.”
“We’ve got to get better, we’ve got to get better,” Murray said. “It’s not where he wants it to be, it’s not where I want it to be. It’s not where the team needs it to be. Again, I haven’t lost any confidence. I’m excited for these next two weeks.”
The work to maximize Harrison’s contributions will continue into the offseason and it’s one of several areas where the Cardinals will look to improve before the 2025 season gets underway.
Kyler Murray: Connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. “not where the team needs it to be”
Despite high expectations for the dynamic duo of quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., their on-field connection has not lived up to the hype so far this season. The Arizona Cardinals were hoping that Murray and Harrison Jr. would develop a strong rapport and become a dominant force on the field, but so far they have struggled to find their rhythm.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury expressed his concerns about the lack of chemistry between Murray and Harrison Jr., stating that their connection is “not where the team needs it to be.” He emphasized the importance of building trust and communication between the two players in order to improve their performance on the field.
Murray and Harrison Jr. have shown flashes of brilliance, but their inconsistency and miscommunication have hindered their ability to make big plays and score points for the team. The Cardinals are working hard to address this issue and are optimistic that with time and practice, Murray and Harrison Jr. will be able to develop a stronger connection and elevate their game to the next level.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see the potential of this dynamic duo fully realized, and are hopeful that Murray and Harrison Jr. will be able to overcome their current struggles and become a formidable force in the league. Stay tuned for updates on their progress as the season unfolds.
One of golf’s feel-good stories of 2024 turned into its most tragic when Grayson Murray passed away in May a day after he had withdrawn due to illness during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Murray, 30, who won the Sony Open in January for his second-career PGA Tour victory, was found dead on May 25 at his Florida home, according a statement from the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. He took his own life according to a statement released by his parents. The police said there was no apparent foul play.
The golfer had withdrawn after 16 holes of the second round at Colonial Country Club and told playing partner Peter Malnati that he was ill. He had spoken openly earlier this year about his issues with alcohol addiction and was upbeat about trying to help others. He had seemingly turned his life around, got engaged and found success on the course after several years of struggling.
The victory in Hawaii earned Murray a spot in the Masters and he made the cut at the PGA Championship, played the weekend before his death. He was exempt for the upcoming U.S. Open and had worked his way toward the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
“We’re not designed to live this life on our own,” Scheffler told a gathering of players, officials and spectators. “We all carry a lot more baggage than we let on—myself especially.”
“I think we all wish we could have done more for him, wish we could have done things differently,” Scheffler added. “You know, your mind just kind of goes to what you could have done to prevent this from happening.”
In 2023, Murray won twice on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour to earn his PGA Tour card for the 2024 season. He won his first event, the Sony, in Honolulu, making a 40-footer on the final green to defeat Keegan Bradley and Ben An.
Murray tied for 10th at the Wells Fargo Championship and was 51st at the Masters and tied for 43rd at the PGA Championship.
I am saddened to announce the passing of professional golfer Grayson Murray.
Grayson was a talented golfer who had a promising career ahead of him. He will be remembered for his passion for the game and his dedication to his craft.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Grayson’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Applications of Neural Networks by Alan Murray (English) Paperback Book
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Applications of Neural Networks by Alan Murray (English) Paperback Book
Are you interested in delving into the fascinating world of neural networks and their diverse applications? Look no further than Alan Murray’s comprehensive guide, “Applications of Neural Networks.” In this insightful paperback book, Murray explores the various ways in which neural networks are being used in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, and finance.
From image recognition and natural language processing to predictive modeling and anomaly detection, neural networks have revolutionized the way we approach complex problems and make decisions. Murray breaks down these concepts in an easy-to-understand language, making this book accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
Whether you’re a student looking to expand your knowledge of neural networks or a professional seeking to incorporate this cutting-edge technology into your work, “Applications of Neural Networks” is a must-read. Pick up your copy today and embark on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
#Applications #Neural #Networks #Alan #Murray #English #Paperback #Book
Keegan Murray’s production has dropped since his rookie season and it is not exactly clear if it is situational or due to his own limitations. Murray shot 41.1 percent on three-pointers as a rookie but just 30.4 percent this season. Murray is making 48 percent of his shots in Kings’ wins this season and only 38 percent in their losses.
“I feel good about my shot,” Murray said. “They just haven’t gone in. I’ve shot better this month than November. It’ll even out.”
The Kings added DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, which further reduced Murray’s role. Now, Malik Monk is starting and that makes Murray the fifth option on offense.
“When you add firepower like we have in our starting lineup this year, my role goes down a little bit,” Murray told The Athletic recently. “But I feel like I’m doing all the little stuff.”
Murray is taking on a low usage role similar to Harrison Barnes.
“My first couple years I got a lot (of shots) off (dribble hand-offs),” Murray said. “This year it’s more opportunistic. I don’t know where it’s going to come from. That’s a change. But I feel confident.”
After a standout sophomore season where he led the Iowa Hawkeyes in scoring and rebounding, Keegan Murray has found himself in a slightly different role this year. With the addition of talented newcomers to the starting lineup, Murray’s role has evolved to accommodate the team’s newfound firepower.
While some players may struggle with a reduced role, Murray has embraced the challenge and continued to make a significant impact on the court. His versatility and basketball IQ have allowed him to excel in different areas of the game, whether it be scoring, rebounding, or playmaking.
Murray’s selfless attitude and team-first mentality have been instrumental in the team’s success this season. He understands that winning games is the ultimate goal, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team achieve that goal.
Despite his role change, Murray remains a crucial part of the Hawkeyes’ success and will undoubtedly play a key role in their quest for a deep postseason run. His ability to adapt and thrive in different roles is a testament to his talent and dedication to the team.
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Murray continues to contribute to the team and showcase his skills on the court. One thing is for sure – no matter what his role may be, Keegan Murray will always be a valuable asset to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Tags:
Keegan Murray, Iowa basketball, starting lineup changes, basketball player role, Iowa Hawkeyes, college basketball, sports lineup adjustments, athlete performance, team dynamics, player development, basketball strategy.
Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups will miss the next two games — on Thursday and Saturday against Utah and Dallas, respectively — due to the recent passing of his grandmother, Portland announced in a press release (via Twitter).
According to the team, assistant Nate Bjorkgren will serve as acting head coach in Billups’ stead. Bjorkgren has previous head coaching experience with Indiana, though his stint was short-lived.
Our condolences go out to Billups’ family and friends.
Here’s more from the Northwest:
Following the Timberwolves‘ victory over Dallas on Wednesday, power forward Julius Randle said he’s still getting used to acting as more of a facilitator after spending several years in New York being “wired to score,” according to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. “That’s really been the biggest change. You’re somewhere for five years, playing a certain way and I come here and it’s a little bit different,” said Randle, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his $30.94MM player option for 2025/26. “I love my role here. I love playing with my teammates, but finding what helps the team and what the team needs the most on a night-to-night basis has been the harder part, but everybody has been great with me, coaches included, helping me adjust and figuring things out.”
The Nuggets are dealing with lingering injuries to Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. In the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss in Phoenix, Gordon aggravated a calf strain which already caused him to miss 10 games in 2024/25. “Thats the unfortunate thing — and the Suns have gone through this themselves — with those soft tissue injuries, is they linger. They hang around. They hang around,” Malone said of Gordon. “And you make one explosive move and you feel it. And I could tell in that third quarter, he goes, ‘I feel like it’s about to, like, really have a bad strain.’ So that was the decision at that point in time. Take him out, get him checked and shut him down for the night to hopefully avoid something a lot more sinister and severe.” Murray, meanwhile, revealed a couple weeks ago that he’s been dealing with plantar fasciitis for “years” and has also battled hamstring and ankle injuries this season, the latter causing him to miss Monday’s game. Denver’s starting point guard suggested he wasn’t fully healthy during yesterday’s game, per Durando.
Thunder defensive stalwart Alex Caruso has been ruled out of Thursday’s game vs. Indiana due to a left hip strain, as Rylan Stiles of Sports Illustrated relays. According to Stiles, Caruso exited Monday’s contest early when he dove for a loose ball and appeared to land on his hip. Caruso, who recently signed a four-year, $81.1MM extension, will miss his ninth game of the season Thursday, largely due to issues with his left hip, Stiles notes.
In this edition of Northwest Notes, we take a look at some of the latest news and updates surrounding players in the Northwest division of the NBA. From coaching changes to trade rumors, there’s plenty to discuss. Let’s dive in:
– Chauncey Billups has officially been named the new head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, taking over for Terry Stotts. Billups, a former NBA player and assistant coach, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team.
– Julius Randle of the New York Knicks has been linked to trade rumors involving the Portland Trail Blazers. Randle, who had a breakout season last year, could be a valuable addition to the Blazers’ roster as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
– Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets has reportedly expressed interest in exploring his options in free agency. Gordon, who was acquired by the Nuggets in a trade last season, has been a key contributor to the team and could attract interest from other teams looking to bolster their roster.
– Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets continues to make progress in his recovery from a torn ACL. Murray, who suffered the injury during the playoffs last season, is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season but is on track to make a full recovery.
– Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls has been making waves in the offseason, with reports indicating that he could be in line for a big payday in free agency. Caruso, who was a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, could be a valuable addition to any team looking for a versatile guard.
Stay tuned for more updates on these players and others in the Northwest division as the offseason progresses.
