Murray-Boyles making most of Poeltl’s absence
Global News
Collin Murray-Boyles has developed a simple philosophy in his rookie NBA season: work hard.
TORONTO – Collin Murray-Boyles has developed a simple philosophy in his rookie NBA season: work hard.
Murray-Boyles had 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in an impactful performance for the Raptors as Toronto topped the Atlanta Hawks 118-100 on Monday. He also had three steals and two blocks, leading the Raptors with a plus-24 defensive rating.
“If you’re not tired, you’re not going hard enough, so I try to be as tired as possible,” said Murray-Boyles with a laugh.
Murray-Boyles started at centre in place of Jakob Poeltl, who remains out with a sore lower back. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic confirmed pre-game that Poeltl had been cleared for contact, however.
Whether it’s steals or blocks, Murray-Boyles also has a simple philosophy on how to disrupt opposing teams.
“It’s mostly just not having your hands by your side, like, that helps a lot with it,” he said. “Just being active, having your hands up makes your life way easier.”
The six-foot-seven forward was selected ninth overall by Toronto in last summer’s NBA Draft. Murray-Boyles played power forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks but, on the undersized Raptors, has been pressed into service at centre with Poeltl unavailable.
The 20-year-old was averaging 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 18.8 minutes per game heading into Monday’s win over Atlanta. He’s played at least 24:45 in each of his last five games, however, as he earns Rajakovic’s trust.
