Dejounte Murray’s 2-way prowess shines for San Antonio Spurs

Defensive prowess

Dejounte Murray’s defense was there before his offense. When he was getting even more limited minutes, Murray’s overall defensive output was still promising. During his sophomore season, Murray ranked second among point guards in defensive rebound percentage at 22 percent.

His 6’5” frame and his quickness allowed him to be a pest for other teams as well as a threat under the rim. It was more recently that he started to develop as a go-to transition guy. Murray is getting the most important matchups in games against solid guards, including a matchup against CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard a few days ago.

In a game two seasons ago against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Murray recorded seven steals and 19 points to go with 10 boards. That was one of the defining games of his second-team All-Defensive campaign.

Here’s Murray against the walking-nuisance named Patrick Beverley, bullying him off the ball and bringing it down the court. Murray is one of those players who can keep up with the fastest of them, but also play at more than one speed.

His two-way prowess has been the most fun part of watching the Spurs this season. When DeRozan and Aldridge aren’t getting it done (which has been the case at some points), Murray has shown that he is the future of the organization.