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Pounding The Rock
Dejounte Murray was slated to be the starting point guard for the San Antonio Spurs going into the 2018-19 season. This was going to be the season for Murray to have the spotlight with both Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker gone.
That all quickly changed on Sunday. As Murray was attempting to make a move towards the basket, his right knee buckled and gave out on him.
The San Antonio Spurs announced on Monday that Murray tore the ACL in his right knee and will be having surgery to repair the ligament.
Let’s take a deeper look at this injury.
The anterior cruciate ligament, or more commonly known as the ACL, is one of four major ligaments that provide stability for the knee. It’s made of a fibrous tissue (much like a rope) and connects the femur to the tibia. The ACL’s function is to prevent forward shifting of the tibia, as well as inhibiting knee hyperextension. It also prevents tibial rotation as a secondary function.
The most common mechanism of injury is a plant and twist injury. As Murray was on the fast break, he planted his right leg trying to get to the basket. The right knee went into a state of valgus where the knee buckles in towards the other leg. That position put an immense amount of stress on the ACL, resulting in the tear.
The typical recovery period for an ACL reconstruction is 9-12 months. Murray will be undergoing intense rehab as he aims to return to the court in the 2019-20 season.
In the meantime, Patty Mills and second-year pro Derrick White will have to step up and steer the ship. You can never count out the Spurs and Coach Popovich, but there will be a steeper hill to climb without the likes of Dejounte Murray.