Losing an important player to injury is never a good thing, especially for a team like the Sacramento Kings, who are dangerously close to missing the playoffs entirely.
On Monday, it was announced that big man Domantas Sabonis will miss at least ten days due to a sprained right ankle. Ten days can be a lifetime in the league, particularly as the playoffs inch closer. So, who can pick up the slack and fill the void left by Sabonis' 19.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game?
Keegan Murray has a golden opporunity to reignite in a big way.
For the season, Murray has averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. While those aren't Sabonis numbers, they're commendable and he has had some standout games (along with a few questionable ones, too). Like the rest of the Sacramento roster, he has been a supporting player behind Sabonis, the team's most important star. Now the spotlight might shine brighter on him.
Monday night's win over the Memphis Grizzlies featured Murray using his size and aggression more. He posted 16 points and 9 rebounds, meaning he led the Kings in rebounds along with Trey Lyles.
Can Keegan keep it up?
This was a promising showing from Murray, but he can't stop there. He has been inconsistent at times this season. In a recent game against the New York Knicks, he was only able to chip in 9 points, going 4-of-11 from the field and 1-of-6 from the three-point line. Will he follow Monday's good game with a bad one?
The next ten days will be a challenge for the Kings, but they can be productive too. If they are able to formulate a plan that requires more from Murray, and he delivers, they could tap into a deep well of energy right before the playoffs. It is late in the season to be making big changes, but the Kings are being forced to, so they should make the most of it.
We have talked about Keegan's up-and-down performances and how he needs to step up. It is no secret that some people are disappointed by him. But throughout his young career, Keegan Murray has been full of flashy plays and dominant defense. Now is the perfect time to embrace that and remind people what he's capable of.
The Sabonis injury isn't coming at a good time and if things don't go well over these next ten days, the Kings could fall out of contention for the Play-In Tournament. They are currently clinging to the ninth seed, but that can change in an instant, especially because the Dallas Mavericks are right behind them in the standings.
This will be a period when multiple stars have to adjust their games and step up, but Keegan Murray may be the Kings player who has the biggest shoes to fill.