Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray on Tuesday finished off the California Classic on a high note, capping off a strong run for the fourth pick in San Francisco.
Murray produced a game-high 24 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot in 31 minutes in an 87-75 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He went 9-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, as the Kings went 3-0 in the event.
The 21-year-old bounced back from a tough game on Sunday after recording nine points and nine rebounds on 4-of-15 shooting from the field. He put that performance behind him and looked to be in control once again to lead the Kings to victory.
Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez liked how he responded.
Sometimes there are bad games but he came in today and was aggressive. He is playing on both ends of the floor, which is very important not just in summer league but for the Sacramento Kings. That is just going to make us be a very good team. Very impressed so far with Keegan and now moving into Vegas, I’m just excited for him.
.@keegan3murray soars for 24 points to help Kings surge past Lakers đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/fKmh2QqB0H
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 6, 2022
Murray finished the California Classic by averaging 19.7 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 steals in three games on 51.1% shooting from the field, including 43.8% from 3-point range. He led all players in scoring and field goals made (7.7 per game), and was second in rebounding.
Overall, Murray liked how he performed in his first taste of the NBA.
I think, for me, I feel like I played well. I feel like consistency needs to be there a little more but my confidence hasn’t wavered at all. I think this is a good start for me in my career and I just want to learn as much as I can going into Vegas because I know there are going to be good games and there might not be good games.
The early showing by Murray in summer league is certainly a highlight for the Kings. He was viewed as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft and has shown that early on. Murray will now look to carry that momentum into the Las Vegas Summer League.
Sacramento tips off its stint on Saturday versus the Orlando Magic.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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