Blake Murphy Sports Writing

Title:As the window for NBA roster churn opens, Raptors face back-end decisions
Date: January 7, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the choice the Raptors have to make with Lorenzo Brown’s guarantee date and the possible scenarios at play if they waive him. Read an excerpt!

Title: Kyle Lowry’s importance to Raptors never more clear than in return against Pacers
Date: January 6, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Kyle Lowry’s return from injury, which perfectly encapsulated is oft-subtle impact on the Raptors. Read an excerpt!

Title:  Persistent issues sank the Raptors against the Spurs as much as DeMar DeRozan did
Date: January 4, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about a poor Raptors performance against DeMar DeRozan that highlighted some consistent issues the team’s been dealing with. Read an excerpt!

Title: Summer blockbuster is working out well for Raptors and Spurs alike
Date: January 3, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the individual progress of all four players involved in this past summer’s Raptors-Spurs blockbuster trade. Read an excerpt!

Title: Kawhi Leonard’s career night against Jazz a picture of casual dominance
Date: January 1, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Kawhi Leonard’s career night against the Jazz. He’s good. Read an excerpt!

Title:Raptors not overreacting to lack of ‘sunshine and roses’ after ugly win against Bulls
Date: December 30, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors’ ongoing offensive struggles after they narrowly escaped a near-upset from the Bulls. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptors turn in historically poor offensive performance in blowout loss to Magic
Date: December 28, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors’ historically poor offensive performance in a blowout loss to the Magic. Read an excerpt!