NBA Rookies: Keegan Murray Pours on 23 in Loss to Warriors

Sacramento rookie Keegan Murray's scoring came alive versus Golden State on Sunday.

Kings’ rookie Keegan Murray announced himself for the first time this postseason, pouring on 23 points in a close loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 4.

In games one through three versus Golden State, Murray combined to score just 10 points in total. He posted two points apiece in games one and two and six points in game three.

Suffice to say, Sunday’s was easily the best playoff performance of Murray’s young career. He finished nine-for-13 from the field, adding on seven rebounds and one assist.

Even more than just stuffing the stat sheet, Murray’s points came in pivotal moments throughout Game 4. On multiple occasions throughout the contest, Murray’s big shots helped to extend the Kings’ lead or answer a punch from Golden State’s superstar laden squad.

After going down 0-2, the Warriors have now climbed back to even the series at 2-2. But Murray potentially has found his rhythm as the series heads back to Sacramento for Game 5.

Many harped on Sacramento for not drafting the “best available” in Jaden Ivey fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Now, Murray’s seamless fit alongside De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and more feels unquestionable.

In the regular season, Murray was a pivotal piece to the Kings core, averaging 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 41 percent from beyond the arc.

Game 5 tips off at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 in Golden 1 Center.