Blake Murphy Sports Writing

Title: Marc Gasol’s debut opens an early window on the Raptors’ hopes
Date: February 9, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Marc Gasol’s debut with the Raptors and how it highlighted what the team is hoping for from their big deadline gamble. Read an excerpt!

Title: After Miller signing, the candidates for Raptors’ remaining open roster spots
Date: February 8, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I took a look at way too many candidates the Raptors could look at to fill their open roster spots after the trade deadline. Read an excerpt!

Title: Picks, cash and roster space: Explaining the Raptors’ cap sheet and deadline deals
Date: February 8, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I broke down all of the minutiae of the Raptors’ deadline deals and where their cap sheet now stands before the buyout market. Read an excerpt!

Title: Murphy: Raptors take calculated risk with all-in push for Marc Gasol
Date: February 7, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors taking a calculated risk with an all-in push for Marc Gasol. Read an excerpt!

Title:Raptors survive emotional exhaustion, find mood-stabilizing win in Atlanta
Date: February 7, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about an emotionally exhausted Raptors team pulling out a shorthanded win after a dramatic trade deadline. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptors deal Malachi Richardson in accounting precursor to something else
Date: February 6, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about a seemingly meaningless Raptors trade that could have major financial implications for the trade or buyout market. Read an excerpt!

Title: The keys to the Raptors matchup advantage against the 76ers
Date: February 5, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about an encouraging Raptors win in Philadelphia and what makes the 76ers such a good matchup for them. Read an excerpt!

Title:How Jonas Valanciunas’ return makes the Raptors a much better team
Date: February 5, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the impending return of Jonas Valanciunas and the ways in which it will help an underperforming Raptors team. Read an excerpt!

Title: Trey Troubles: Why are the Raptors so bad at hitting threes?
Date: February 4, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I investigated the Raptors’ continued trouble hitting 3-pointers despite a strong true-talent level of shooting on the roster. Read an excerpt!