In recent weeks, Kris Murray, the backup forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, has made the most of his extended role.
His success has been aided by seeing regular minutes.
After practice on Monday, Murray remarked, “I’m playing in a really good rhythm right now.” defensively seeing the floor well. In terms of offense, I’m just trying to always make the proper plays and play with a level of energy that, when I’m in, kind of alters the game.
Before his playing time declined, Murray started the season with consistent minutes. However, Murray averaged 16.8 minutes per game over the previous ten games. He shot 48.8% despite having few shooting opportunities (4.1 per game).
Murray shot 37.5% from three-point range and 60.9% from the field during the last four games. Murray scored 10 points on 5 of 7 shooting in Saturday night’s home defeat to Miami.
Coach of the BlazersChauncey Billups stated that it is simple to identify the difference in Murray’s play.
“The chance to play is more important than anything else,” Billups stated on Saturday night. Prior to it, he consistently performed well during his brief appearances.
In a trade made on draft day last June, the Blazers acquired forward Deni Avdija. On the depth chart, which also includes regular starters Jerami Grant and Toumani Camara, that moved Murray down a spot.
Murray has more possibilities now that Grant has missed the last seven games due to a facial contusion.
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, Kris Murray, 24, of the Portland Trail Blazers, dunks next to Tyler Herro, 14, of the Miami Heat, during the second half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by Amanda Loman/AP) APAP
Murray keeps himself ready, so Billups said he has faith in him to generate valuable minutes.
“I always trust him,” Billups remarked. He isn’t prone to making mistakes once he gets in.
Murray has found that playing regular minutes has allowed him to settle into a groove and play more freely. Because he knows what to anticipate every night, he can relax.
“You play much better that way,” he observed.
Avdija has been assisting Murray with his work.
Murray stated, “I’m glad to have a locker next to him because he’s a really good teammate.”
Avdija had a career season in 2022–2023 after struggling in his first three seasons in Washington.
Avdija has emerged as one of the team’s most effective players after a difficult start to the season.
Murray added, “I could ask him a few questions about that and how he recovered.”
The Brooklyn Nets (13-26) will play the Blazers (13-25) on Tuesday night.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
