Kings F Keegan Murray Making Defensive Strides on Path to Stardom

The Sacramento Kings have a rising star on their hands, as Keegan Murray continues to show glimpses of greatness.

The Sacramento Kings have been ecstatic about their All-NBA tandem of G De'Aaron Fox and C Domantas Sabonis since acquiring Sabonis from the Indiana Pacers in February of 2022. The duo led the Kings to their best season in two decades, with 48 wins and the third seed in the Western Conference.

Despite having an All-Star duo and 2023 NBA Coach of the Year winner with Mike Brown, Kings fans rave about sophomore F Keegan Murray. After selecting him with the 4th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, fans were skeptical about how high his ceiling was. Murray, 23, continues to exceed expectations.

Murray broke the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a rookie season, surpassing the mark set by Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star G Donovan Mitchell. 

After a phenomenal rookie season, Kings fans saw a future star in Murray. The rising sophomore had steep expectations but has lived up to everything fans have wanted him to be. 

Fans expected improved playmaking and shot-creating from Murray, but the most significant leap the 23-year-old has shown is on the defensive side. Murray is blossoming into an elite on-ball defender, with glimpses of All-Star caliber two-way play.

We're witnessing an All-Defense level jump out of Keegan Murray this season. pic.twitter.com/w2IE3eV5Rb

— Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) November 16, 2023

Murray has not only made strides on defense, but he impressively embraces the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best offensive player most of the time. The Kings struggled on defense last season but have quickly turned that around with fantastic coaching and the improvement of individual players.

Notable matchups for Keegan Murray so far this season.

K. Thompson-2/4 FGM
S. Curry-4/8
J. Williams-4/8
J. Grant-1/3
T. Prince-2/7
J. Green-1/4
J. Collins-1/4
D. Mitchell-2/10
D. Russell-1/5
A. Davis-1/3
L. Markkanen-0/3

Keegan is becoming a 2 way threat pic.twitter.com/19euPdq01d

— KingsMuse (@kings_muse) November 16, 2023

The Kings have an unexpected big three on their hands, as Murray looks more like a future All-Star each game. Playing next to stars Sabonis and Fox helps Murray's game tremendously, and the shooting tandem of Murray and G Kevin Huerter makes the opposing team fear Sacramento from all around the court.

As Murray continues to improve on both sides of the ball, the Kings' chances at a championship run continue to increase.

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