SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in more than decade, the Spurs entered the season with questions at the point guard position.
Those questions may have been answered thanks to the play of Dejounte Murray.
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The second-year point guard has been nothing short of sensational three games into the season.
Murray is averaging 13.3 points and 4.7 assists per game, but his rebounding, field goal percentage and defense have set him apart.
He leads the team with 9.7 rebounds per game and is shooting 56.7 percent from the floor, also tops on the team.
He nabbed 14 rebounds in Monday night’s win over Toronto as the Spurs improved to 3-0.
Murray also played a key part in slowing down Raptors All-Star guard Kyle Lowry, who scored only 8 points on 3 of 11 shooting.
Whether its defense or offense, Murray is proving he can make an impact on both ends of the court.
ICYMI: #Spurs PG Dejounte Murray on 16 pt, 14 reb game, winning attitude: "It's in my DNA, I've always been a dog" #KSATnews #KSATsports pic.twitter.com/StPImzcowu
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) October 24, 2017
"I just want to win. I got winning on my side, and in my DNA. I just do anything to win,” Murray said. “If I don't score a point, I'm going to go rebound. If I don't rebound, I'm going to try facilitate or I'm going to try to play defense. That's the thing that you've got to have."
Aside from stats, Murray is also making the right decisions and reads on the court.
He may not be a seasoned veteran, but he is playing the part. That was emblematic when he pulled aside, and spoke to LaMarcus Aldridge after his scuffle late the game with Raptors forward Serge Ibaka.
“He’s playing well, whoever is playing well is out there, it doesn’t matter who it is,” Popovich said. “I don’t know, maybe he’s watching (Russell) Westbrook or something.”
Postgame: Popovich talks #Spurs win over #Raptors Dejounte Murray big game (16 pts/15 Rebs) #ksatnews #KSATsports @TexasMedClinic pic.twitter.com/T0v3oszU5P
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) October 24, 2017
Murray’s teammates have also been impressed with his fast start. Manu Ginobili said Murray’s combination of skills and athleticism is “great.”
“His activity is off the charts,” Ginobili added.
Murray just turned 21-years-old last month. His development from his rookie to sophomore season has been night and day.
If he continues to play at this level, it will be hard to keep him off the floor even when Tony Parker returns from injury. That time will come and Murray is keeping perspective.
“I got a long way to go, I’m not going to sit here and talk like I’m a veteran,” Murray said. “I have to learn everything, but I can say it’s going in the right direction.”
