NEW YORK -- The Hawks played without Dejounte Murray for most of Wednesday night’s loss to the Knicks after their starting guard exited the game early in the first quarter due to a left ankle sprain and did not return.
Following the game, Hawks coach Nate McMillan said Murray had a little swelling but he would get more details on Murray later. The Hawks have not said whether Murray will be available for Friday’s game against the Nets.
Murray hurt his ankle after a Knicks defender did not give him enough room to land. The 26-year-old went to the floor holding his leg. He got up limping and officials reviewed the play. It was ruled flagrant.
The All-Star guard is the latest starter bitten by the injury bug. The Hawks have been without John Collins (right ankle sprain) and De’Andre Hunter (right hip flexor strain).
Murray has averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists through 24 games. Over his last six games, Murray has averaged 3.8 three-pointers per game on 49.8% shooting. That’s the third-best 3-point percentage in the NBA since Nov. 25 on a minimum of 40 3-point attempts.
He has made two or more triples in six straight games, the second-longest such streak of his career.
He also ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.8).
