Murdock’s Joy Turns to Pain

Veteran point guard Eric Murdock was feeling great. He had started eight consecutive games, including Sunday’s loss to Chicago, and was hoping to play a major role in the transition from former coach Chris Ford to interim Coach Jim Todd.

But Murdock’s fortunes changed four minutes into the first quarter against the Bulls when he had to leave a game for the third time this season because of an ankle injury.

“Maybe my shoes are too big because this is the most I’ve ever twisted my ankle,” Murdock, who sprained his left ankle this time, said.

“Maybe I will go with a smaller size shoe. I turned it over the same way.”

The last time Murdock injured his ankle, he sat out two games and hardly played in the next three.

“It feels like it is the same injury,” Murdock said. “Hopefully, I will only be out three or four days. We’ll see.”

Troy Hudson, who has started 30 games at point guard this season, came in for Murdock and had one of his best games in weeks. Hudson played 29 minutes and had 19 points, eight assists and two steals.