Blake Murphy Sports Writing

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!

Title: Potential playoff preview? What the Raptors have learned from their battles with the Milwaukee Bucks
Date: February 1, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors dropping the season series to the Bucks and what they might take away from it for a potential playoff matchup. Read an excerpt!

Title:Raptors’ zone defence an effective and intriguing option, but they don’t want to have to rely on it
Date: January 30, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors’ highly effective zone defense usage so far this year. Read an excerpt!