Apr 22, 2024 10:19 am: Murphy notched 21 points (8-18 FG, 5-12 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal across 44 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Analysis: Murphy extended his streak of games scoring in double figures to 14 appearances (12 starts), and he ended up as New Orleans' leading scorer in this Game 1 loss while carrying the team at times in the second and third quarters. Murphy can get hot in any moment of a game, but even if that doesn't happen, he sees enough touches to make a consistent impact on offense. Expect Murphy to remain in the first unit -- while experiencing a slight uptick in his usage rate -- as long as Zion Williamson (hamstring) remains out.