Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray put on a show against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Dejounte Murray Matches Insane Trae Young Record
The seven-year veteran sliced and diced the defense all night, tallying 40 points, two steals, and one block. It was Murray’s second time scoring at least 40 points in a week. On Mar. 8, Murray had tied his career-high of 41 points while facing the Memphis Grizzlies.
Yet, even more impressively, it was Murray’s third consecutive time scoring at least 40 points against the Blazers. A rare feat, he became just the second player in Hawks history to score 40 or more points against the same opponent in three straight games.
The only other player to match his brilliance has been 3-time All-Star, Trae Young.
A Steadying Anchor
Though his efforts have often gone unappreciated, Murray has been an anchor for the Hawks throughout his time in Atlanta. Even before Young sustained a finger injury that came with a four-week recovery timetable, Murray was a steady and consistent presence in the rotation.
Young’s supernova explosions were a sight to behold. Awe-inspiring with his shot-creation and shot-making, his dazzling displays of dominance are nebulas within the NBA cosmos.
Murray has been much less of a spectacle, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been special.
Like the constellation Ophiucus, the Serpent Bearer, his star presence is immutable. Slithering between opponents to find open spaces in the defense, the Seattle native’s less focused on astronomical scoring numbers than helping his team triumph. Repeatedly taking over in high pressure moments, his confidence seems unshakable.
Murray’s been weighed and he’s been measured, but he hasn’t been found wanting.
There’s Bigger Fish to Fry
With Young possibly out for a couple more weeks, Murray will have plenty of scoring opportunities in the immediate future. He may even be able to break Young’s record. On Mar. 27, the Hawks will face the Blazers one final time this season.
Nonetheless, neither Murray nor the Hawks’ main goal at this juncture is breaking records. A team with championship aspirations, Atlanta is only 10th in the East at 29-36. While this gives them a shot a reaching the postseason, they’d like to finish the regular season strong.
They’re only 3.5 games ahead of the another playoff hopeful in the Brooklyn Nets.
More must-reads: