NBA: Pelicans' Dejounte Murray Out for Season with Torn Achilles

Synopsis

The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered another major setback with Dejounte Murray out for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. His injury adds to the team's ongoing struggles as they dealt with multiple injuries during their recent game against the Boston Celtics.

Key Takeaways

Dejounte Murray ruled out for the season
Pelicans struggle with injury challenges
Trey Murphy III shines with 40 points
Coach Willie Green comments on team challenges
Close game against the Boston Celtics

New Orleans, Feb 1 (NationPress) The New Orleans Pelicans have faced another significant challenge as Dejounte Murray was forced to leave the game in the first quarter during their 118-116 defeat against the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center.

Reported by ESPN, Murray sustained a torn Achilles tendon, which will prevent him from participating for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season. He injured himself while pursuing the ball after a missed jumper, ultimately falling to the floor and limping off.

“It’s incredibly tough to see a player who contributes so much to our team go down like that,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green after the match. “These are the kinds of challenges we've been facing throughout the season.”

The 28-year-old guard had already missed the first 18 games of this season due to a broken hand and will now be absent as the team navigates the remainder of the season.

Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones were also sidelined during the game due to injury issues, contributing to the Pelicans' struggle with a record of 12-37.

Trey Murphy III stood out as the lone bright spot for the team, scoring a season-high 40 points. He also shared his thoughts on Murray’s injury.

“It’s painful, I can’t deny it. He has faced so many challenges already, and this doesn’t make it any easier. But often, God puts us in difficult situations to teach us a larger lesson. I believe that’s what is happening now. It’s not always clear what the message is, but there’s always a purpose,” Trey expressed.

Despite the ongoing injury woes, the Pelicans pushed the Boston Celtics, currently the Number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, to the edge, with a last-second buzzer-beater by Jayson Tatum sealing the victory for the Celtics with just 0.7 seconds remaining.