Blake Murphy Sports Writing

Title: Raptors need to prove flexibility is more than just a preseason talking point after Game 2 loss to 76ers
Date: April 29, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors failing to live up to their self-proclaimed identity of flexibility so far in the playoffs, as rotation rigidity cost them in Game 2 against the 76ers. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 1: Matching the Embiid minutes, Green as a screener and more
Date: April 28, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my playoff day-after playoff column looked at a dominant Game 1 victory for the Raptors against the 76ers. Read an excerpt!

Title: ‘That was pretty cool to watch tonight’: Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points, helps secure Game 1 win for Raptors
Date: April 27, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors actually taking care of a Game 1, because everything is a little different now. Read an excerpt!

Title: Murphy Mailbag: Ideal 76ers matchups, rotation tweaks, El Hijo de Guerrero and more
Date: April 26, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I brought back the mailbag for the second round of the playoffs to talk Raptors-76ers matchups, rotation tweaks, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and more Read an excerpt!

Title: Deep Dive Series Preview: How do the Raptors and 76ers matchup? A study of playing styles, rotations and more
Date: April 25, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I performed a deep dive into the lineups, rotations, key matchups, playing styles and more for the second-round playoff series between the Raptors and 76ers.
Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 5: Raptors set franchise record for playoff assists in best playoff showing yet
Date: April 24, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a close-out Game 5 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, improved ball movement, what may carry over to the next round, and more. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptors look ready for 76ers test with decisive close-out of Magic
Date: April 23, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors’ closing out the Magic in decisive fashion, showing they’re not the Raptors of old, and making it clear they’re ready for a bigger test in round two. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 4: Ball movement, Lowry’s impact, Ross traps and more
Date: April 22, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a runaway Game 4 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, Kyle Lowry’s impact, how the Raptors have slowed Terrence Ross, and more. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptors looking every bit the contender they hoped to be as defence wins third in a row against Magic
Date: April 21, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors’ starters dominating in Game 3 but the Magic finding some weaknesses to poke at in the second unit. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 3: Late-game process, Magic risk-seeking and more
Date: April 20, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a narrow Game 3 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, some adjustments the Raptors had to play through, and what the Magic might try from here. Read an excerpt!