Kings’ Keegan Murray reacts to winning Rookie of the Month
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray this week was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December, becoming the eighth player in team history to win the award.
Murray averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 46.4% shooting from 3-point range in 14 games during the month. He was second in scoring among Western Conference rookies and first among all first-year players in 3-point percentage and total 3s.
His 39 triples were the most by a rookie in December since 1979.
“It is something I’m grateful for,” Murray said on Friday, via James Ham of ESPN 1320. “Obviously, not many guys are able to accomplish that. It is a cool accolade but we all have end goals as a team and that’s what I’m more focused on.”
The fourth pick is averaging 11.5 points and 3.9 rebounds on 38.8% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games this season. He is fifth among all first-year players in scoring and is 10th in field-goal percentage (42.5) and first in total 3s (78).
Murray has experienced the typical rookie ups and downs thus far, but continues to produce in a variety of ways from the starting lineup. He has emerged as a key player with the Kings and is a key reason why the group is fifth in the Western Conference at 20-17.
He is using each game as an opportunity to improve.
“There are different things, offensively and defensively, that I have to pick up if I want to stay on the court,” Murray said. “All of the coaches work with me on different things so that’s kind of what I’ve been tuned into.”
Murray has looked to be as advertised as a top-five pick this year. He is rounding into form as a player and appears to have a bright future ahead in Sacramento.
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