Keegan Murray shines thanks to new mindset in Kings’ OT win vs. Timberwolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The difference a two-way wing like Keegan Murray can make.
Behind Murray’s 26 points and a career-best 14 rebounds, the Kings, 18 games later, picked up consecutive wins for the first time in the 2025-26 NBA season, edging past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-112 in overtime on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.
Advertisement
In October, Murray tore the UCL in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers and underwent surgery, forcing him to miss the first 15 games of the season.
In that span, the Kings racked up a poor 3-12 record, including an eight–game losing skid. It appeared as if there were no possible remedies to Sacramento’s ailment.
Insert, Murray, who, early on in his third season, is proving why the Kings shelled out a five-year, $140 million contract extension for his services.
“It makes a big difference having Keegan Murray back,” veteran DeMar DeRozan told NBC Sports California’s Kyle Draper, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason on “Kings Postgame Live.”
Advertisement
“One of our best players. A guy that could go out and do everything. He changed the dynamic of the floor, so having him out there definitely helps.”
Sacramento now has won two of the three games that have featured Murray. The 25-year-old is back. The Kings are back.
But perhaps more importantly, Murray’s long-awaited two-way aggressiveness and fierce mentality are here.
“I think I just had a really good offseason,” Murray told reporters. “I got away from Sacramento a little bit. I feel like I just unlocked a different mindset going into this year.
“Obviously, I couldn’t start this season. Obviously, I missed a month to start. For me, it’s just finding my rhythm back and each game I’m feeling more comfortable on the court. So, aggression is not really an issue for me this year.”
Murray drilled a wide-open 3-pointer to give the Kings a 110-107 lead with two minutes left in overtime, helping Sacramento overcome a once 10-point deficit with 3:04 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Advertisement
DeRozan, who surpassed Alex English in the league’s all-time scoring list, posted a team-high 33 points.
Malik Monk added 22 points off the bench for the Kings, while Precious Achiuwa registered 10 points and seven rebounds for Sacramento.
With a menacing Murray on the floor, purple beams await the Kings.
