Down but not out. That is the best way to describe the Atlanta Hawks coming into a tilt against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. They were down three starters in John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and Trae Young as well as several reserves all sidelined due to injuries. The Hawks did get Bogdan Bogdanovic back from knee surgery over the offseason.
The veteran swingman scored five inefficient points (22% FG, 1-for-6 3P) and had four turnovers.
But it was simply a welcomed sight for the Hawks.
Still, the night belonged to Dejounte Murray who put his full skill set on display in a more natural role. And his leadership shined through on the floor as he scored 20 of his points in the second half – nine in the fourth quarter – and delivered a message in the game’s aftermath.
Dejounte Murray shares powerful message after Atlanta Hawks win
“Next man up,” Murray told Bally Sports’ digital reporter Lauren Jbarra. “A lot of hungry guys been in gym working – the G League – and just preparing for this moment.”
That was only the beginning of Murray’s message as he spoke of trusting his teammates.
The Hawks started second-year forward Jalen Johnson, rookie AJ Griffin, and former sixth-overall pick Jarrett Culver in place of Collins, Hunter, and Young. The trio combined for 44 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists.
Griffin had 24 of those points while Johnson logged his first career double-double.
Culver, a hero in the Hawks’ win over the Orlando Magic with 12 rebounds, finished with a team-high plus-15 plus-minus.
“It’s going to be hard for you if you’re representing your team, whatever organization you play for if you don’t trust your teammates. So, with me, I see guys working, I see guys in the gym taking care of their body and everything. So, you gain my trust with that. You don’t gain my trust with making or missing shots in the game.”
https://twitter.com/DejounteMurray/status/1598913760390881280
Murray was informed of the Hawks’ 8-1 record when he has at least eight assists and was asked just how much fun it is when things are clicking as they were for the Hawks in this game.
His answer was very on-brand.
“Winning’s always fun. But, also when you lose – you’re going to lose games – but when you lose you want to lose working hard and saying you gave you all…We’re thankful, we’re going to continue to build, we’re going to continue to work, and…having fun is a part of that.”
Murray has been adamant since his arrival that the Hawks aren’t going to have any personal agendas and that showed in this game.
This look right here pic.twitter.com/06a8sMW0QT
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 3, 2022
He had six assists to seven shot attempts in the first half before helping seal the victory.
There is a lot of noise around the Hawks right now as trade speculation heats up. But the trade for Murray can already be viewed as a success. Not just because of what he can do on the floor with and independent of Young. But also because of his experience and presence in the locker room.
The Hawks – led by Murray and Young’s antics – lost focus against the Houston Rockets and lost despite Murray going for a career-high 39 points.
Their three-game losing streak could have spiraled – and still could.
For at least one game, the Hawks showed the resiliency needed to make another deep run into the playoffs. With Murray, it wouldn’t be quite the surprise they were last time when they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and should be better equipped than last season.