Blake Murphy Sports Writing

Title: Jamal Murray doesn’t mind playing the villain for Nuggets, maybe Canada
Date: December 43, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Jamal Murray’s growing reputation as a villain of sorts and why that makes him an even greater fit for Canada Basketball. Read an excerpt!

Title: Wade’s throwback performance brings out ambivalence in Wright, Raptors
Date: November 26, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Dwyane Wade’s throwback night against the Raptors and the mixed feelings it brought up for Delon Wright and some others. Read an excerpt!

Title: Everywhere he goes, Aaron Best quickly becomes a coach’s favourite and leaves a lasting impression
Date: November 23, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about their return to a larger frontcourt with so many players hurt in a victory over the Hawks, with a footnote on a Vince Carter milestone. Read an excerpt!

Title: Open Gym casts honest light on Masai Ujiri’s toughest decisions, all made with a Raptors championship in mind
Date: November 15, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about an Open Gym retrospective and how a reflection of the team’s history colors the tough decisions Masai Ujiri made this summer. Read an excerpt!

Title:Pascal Siakam’s matchup with Anthony Davis provides special insight into his rapid and impressive growth
Date: November 12, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Pascal Siakam’s rapid career progression, artificial limits, and a litmus test against Anthony Davis. Read an excerpt!

Title:
Date: November 7, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his first career start, and what his upside means for the future of Canada Basketball. Read an excerpt!

Title:Chris Boucher making good on his second NBA chance with Raptors
Date: October 29, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Chris Boucher feeling different in his second NBA season, having fought for this shot and having proven to himself he belongs. Read an excerpt!

Title: Lorenzo Brown and G-League MVP Trophy may have found long-term occupancy with Raptors
Date: October 27, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Lorenzo Brown’s break-out game for the Raptors, something he feels is just the start. Read an excerpt!

Title: Raptors 905 boosts CanCon: If everything’s equal ‘I’m going with the Canadian’
Date: October 26, 2018
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about Raptors 905 putting a continued emphasis on their unofficial relationship with Canada Basketball and basketball in the city of Toronto, which reaches all throughout the organization. Read an excerpt!