August is always the slowest month of the NBA calendar. The only time fans can see their favorite players is through training videos and the rare Pro-Am experience.
However, basketball fans saw a dramatic series of events in real time last night. Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Orlando Magic rookie forward Paolo Banchero competed in Isaiah Thomas’ annual summer hoops tournament, the Zeke-End.
Clips from the exhibition game quickly began to go viral. Murray faked Banchero before alley-ooping himself off the backboard. Then, as the crowd erupted, Murray said something to Banchero and tossed him the ball.
This is where the story gets hard to follow and juicy. Murray posted the featured video to his Instagram story. Banchero reposted Murray’s story on his own Instagram story, but added his side of the story. Banchero called out Murray for unfollowing him on social media and double-teaming him during Pro-Am play.
Naturally, Murray would make sure he had the last word. The veteran accused the rookie of trying to flex his best selection and not being more humble. See Bleacher Report’s tweet below for Murray’s full comment.
Honestly, this is the biggest development in the relationship between the Hawks and Magic since the Eastern Conference playoff series in 2011. The two Southeast Division foes will meet four times next season. We’ll know the exact dates next week after the NBA releases the 2022-23 schedule. Stay tuned to AllHawks.com for breaking news, highlights and analysis.
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