Sports Home Twitter reacts as fantastic rookie season closes for Keegan Murray
This year was one that will stay in the memories of Sacramento Kings fans for years to come.
After years of being the laughing stock of the NBA, the forgotten team of California that the league wanted to move, the Kings were finally fun. Behind the star play of De’Aaron Fox, the Clutch Player of the Year, the Kings made the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2006. New head coach Mike Brown was named the Coach of the Year, while Keegan Murray had a rookie season for the ages.
Above all, the Kings were fun this year. In front of a passionate fanbase excited to light the beam, Sacramento was the new kid on the block who played with heart. They could score all throughout their lineup, especially from deep, and just had this fun play style.
Unfortunately, though, all good things must come to an end at some point. While they were able to take the defending champion Golden State Warriors to a game seven, they just weren’t ready quite yet. In the series’ ultimate game, they couldn’t match Steph Curry’s 50-point performance or top a championship team that has been here many times before.
It’s a disappointing end to a magical season. However, it appears to be just the start. With Fox transitioning into a full-time superstar and Keegan Murray possessing a bright future, Sacramento can really become something. Here are the best social media reactions to a heartbreaking end to a fantastic campaign.
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The Beam Will be Back
What a season for the Kings 👏
-First playoff berth since 2006
-De’Aaron Fox named Clutch Player of the Year
-Mike Brown named Coach of the Year
-Keegan Murray set rookie 3PM record
-Took defending champs to Game 7The BEAM TEAM will return 🟣 pic.twitter.com/laKDHCe8Ro
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2023
What a fun ride
Two All-Stars.
Coach of the Year.
Clutch Player of the Year.
All-Rookie play from Keegan Murray.
All-NBA-level seasons for De'Aaron Fox & Domantas Sabonis.
First playoff appearance in 17 years.
First Pacific Division clinch in 20 years.
The birth of the Beam.The 2022-23 Kings… pic.twitter.com/88Mj9t3ker
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) April 30, 2023
Future
This Sacramento team has a really nice young nucleus. Gonna be fun to watch these guys grow in next few years.
Domas Sabonis: 25
De’Aaron Fox: 25
Malik Monk: 25
Kevin Huerter: 24
Davion Mitchell: 24
Keegan Murray: 22— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 30, 2023
Keegan Showing up When it Matters
Keegan Murray is the most poised King out there. That's great for Keegan– bad for the Kings.
Others need to play their game.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) April 30, 2023
High Praise
ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy: "Keegan Murray, as a young player, his poise to me and the intelligence with which he has played this game — it's really been a revelation. Murray has 15 points and 11 rebounds in 42 minutes, Kings lead 116-97 with 3:45 left in Game 6 vs. Golden State.
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) April 29, 2023
More Praise
ESPN’s Mark Jackson: I’m awfully impressed by Keegan Murray. Not just his shooting, but his all-around game. You’re asking him, in a game 6, to defend Klay Thompson. You got to be disciplined, smart and committed.”
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) April 29, 2023
Respect
keegan murray has my respect bro. he stepped up throughout the entire series and he's only a rook.
— Gerhard🌵 (@forevermartey) April 30, 2023
Rise to the Occasion
Rookie Keegan Murray is rising to the occasion in his first playoff series meanwhile a vet with playoff experience and all star appearances…
— Vincent 🔅 (@VincentKeyes1) April 30, 2023
Our Keegan Murray!
KEEGAN MURRAY, THAT’S OUR ROOKIE👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— Morgsss✨ (@Morgsss21) April 30, 2023
But is he 19?
Keegan Murray shades of rookie Tatum in the playoffs.
Upside not in 720 dunks and shooting 34% on stupid jumpers. Upside in being big, skilled, versatile, and able to get it done in high-level playoff games.
— Ryan Bernardoni (@dangercart) April 30, 2023
Is That Good?
Kings rookies with double-digit playoff 3-pointers all-time:
— Keegan Murray
That’s it. pic.twitter.com/LvwMy0XBGW
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 29, 2023
Next Big Star?
"I think we all know Keegan has a bright future… he's doing things that you'd expect a vet to do and he's having success…"
– De'Aaron Fox on Keegan Murray
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) April 29, 2023
Experience is a plus
Keegan Murray a perfect reason why you don’t have to only draft 19/20 year olds in the top ten.
— Dallas Jones (@DallasJonesy) April 29, 2023
Bright Future
Keegan Murray ends his first ever playoff series with 195 minutes played across 7 games. 68 points, 44 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 4 steals, 4 turnovers, 15 fouls. Shot 26/58 from the field, 12/32 from 3, and 4/6 at the line. Averaged 9.7 pts and 6.3 rebs.
— Hugo Stiglitz (@jfahr) April 30, 2023
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