Trail Blazers' Kris Murray exits game with illness, won't return

Murray left the game against the Hawks in the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the contest.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter due to an illness. Murray played just four minutes before being replaced by Vit Krejci, and the team later announced that Murray would not return for the remainder of the game.

Why it matters

Murray's early exit is a significant development for the Trail Blazers, as he is a key contributor to the team. His absence could impact Portland's performance and rotations for the rest of the game against the Hawks.

The details

Murray was unable to continue playing after just four minutes on the court. The Trail Blazers announced that he was ruled out for the rest of the game due to the illness. Krejci took over Murray's minutes and will be the biggest beneficiary of his absence.

  • With 7:40 left in the first quarter, Murray was replaced by Krejci.
  • Murray did not play after halftime.

The players

Kris Murray

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Vit Krejci

A player for the Portland Trail Blazers who replaced Murray in the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“INJURY UPDATE: Kris Murray (Illness) will not return to tonight's game @ ATL.”

— Trail Blazers PR

The takeaway

Murray's early exit due to illness is a setback for the Trail Blazers, who will have to adjust their rotation and game plan without one of their key players for the remainder of the contest against the Hawks.