Dejounte Murray Reveals Hawks Mindset After Trae Young's Injury: "Next Man Up"

Before yesterday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, the Atlanta Hawks revealed that Trae Young is going to miss at least the next four weeks with an injury. It was a huge blow to the Hawks as Young was having perhaps his best season on both ends of the floor and Atlanta was hoping to make a move up the standings during this next part of the season.

The team stepped up in his absence last night, defeating the Orlando Magic 109-92 and perhaps the biggest reason for that was the play of Dejounte Murray, who was one rebound away from recording a triple-double. Murray finished with 25 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds and led the charge when the Hawks went on an 18-1 run in the third quarter to take over the game. With Young sidelined for at least the next four weeks, Murray is going to be the leader of the offense and he stepped up last night with a huge performance.

After the game, Murray was asked about how the Hawks are going to respond with Young being out for a while and Murray gave as honest of an answer as you can ask for:

"I don't really have too many excuses, its the NBA, you know I am going to continue to say the same thing over and over, its next man up. Dudes work hard and wait for these opportunities, obviously not in that way, we want him to heal up and get back as soon as he can and get back to himself, that is always number one, health is everything, but you know while he is out, next man up, that is it, there is opportunities for guys to show why they are in the NBA and why they belong in the NBA."

"Grow up, but don't be afraid to make mistakes. Show why you belong. He is a great, great, great character guy."

Dejounte Murray on his advice to Kobe Bufkin🔊 pic.twitter.com/J1YTGyUhSD
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) February 26, 2024

Three Takeaways From Hawks 109-92 Win Over the Orlando Magic

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