Former Spur Dejounte Murray Praises Mitch Johnson: Spurs Starter, Friday, December 13, 2024

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Mathey Gibson | Dec 13, 2024

Dec 8, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

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San Antonio Spurs

Dejounte Murray hasn’t been shy about sharing his feelings about his time with the San Antonio Spurs.

The now-New Orleans Pelicans guard has been open about the ups and downs he experienced in San Antonio, but his latest comments are nothing but love.

Taking to Instagram, Murray showed big support for Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson.

“This (expletive) deeper than basketball,” Murray wrote. “I’m forever in debt for you giving me hope to do the right things.”

Johnson, who’s stepping into the spotlight as the interim head coach, has clearly left a lasting impact on Murray. The former Spur didn’t stop there, calling Johnson “a star in the making” and praising his work ethic: “Worked for this MJ!”

It’s a refreshing moment of respect and gratitude from Murray, especially as Johnson takes on this new challenge. Even after moving on, it’s clear some bonds run pretty deep still.

The News

1. Just A Minute: What's on the Spurs' Christmas Wishlist?

2. 'Gratitude': After Making History, Chris Paul's Impact on Spurs Clearer Than Ever

3. How to Watch: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Today's Schedule

San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trailblazers on Dec. 13 | 9 p.m. CT | Watch

The Full Schedule

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Dec. 10: NBA Cup Knockout Rounds Begin
Dec. 25: MSG Christmas at New York Knicks

Dec. 31: New Year's vs. LA Clippers

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

Around the NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

1. Doc Rivers Offered Simple Five-Word Description of Damian Lillard's NBA Cup Takeover

2. Peculiar Stat Shows Former Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Stands Alone in NBA Cup History

3. Kyrie Irving Goes 1-on-1 With Luka Doncic in Mavs 'King of the Court' Tournament

NBA Cup

The semifinals for the NBA Cup are set, with the Bucks, Hawks, Rockets and Thunder meeting at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to settle this year's tournament. The winners of Saturday's games will meet on Tuesday for the championship.

Knockout Stage: Quarterfinals
Rockets 91, Warriors 90
Hawks 108, Knicks 100
Bucks 114, Magic 109
Thunder 118, Mavericks 104

Semifinals
Saturday's Games
Atlanta vs. Milwaukee (3:30 p.m. CT, TNT)
Houston vs. Oklahoma City (7:30 p.m., ABC)

Championship
Tuesday's Game
Atlanta/Milwaukee vs. Houston/Oklahoma City (7:30, ABC)

On This Date in Spurs History ...

December 13, 1951: Kevin Restani was born in San Francisco.

December 13, 1952: Larry Kenon was born in Birmingham, Ala.

Quote of the Day

"It's hard to enjoy or appreciate torture."
- Gregg Popovich

The Closer

The people who make it happen 🙌

See the behind-the-scenes work our equipment managers put into every single away game in an all-new Roadgame Diaries pres. by @VivaAerobus! #ad pic.twitter.com/oAi1lgmsXw
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 12, 2024