New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray faced a heartbreaking setback during a recent game against the Boston Celtics, which took place on January 31st, 2025. Murray suffered a severe injury—a torn Achilles tendon—that will sadly keep him off the court for the rest of the NBA season. This unfortunate event not only ends his season but also adds to the woes of a struggling Pelicans team.
What Happened to Dejounte Murray?
The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game while Murray was pursuing a missed shot. It was a non-contact injury that shocked both fans and players alike. Coach Willie Green confirmed the diagnosis after imaging tests, calling it an extremely difficult situation for the team. Murray had been an important player, averaging nearly 18 points per game along with significant assists and rebounds, making his loss a major blow to the Pelicans’ lineup.
A Season Full of Struggles
The Pelicans have already been grappling with injuries to multiple key players this season, including stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who have both been sidelined for various reasons. The team’s current record stands at 12 wins and 37 losses, and without Murray, the challenge ahead seems even steeper. Murray’s contributions of 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game had been crucial to the team, especially during tight match-ups.
Impact on the Team
With Murray out for the season, the Pelicans face a tough uphill battle. His absence is significant, and the team’s performance could suffer even more. They have struggled to find wins, and this injury complicates their chances of making a turnaround. Trey Murphy III shone in that game against the Celtics, scoring an impressive 40 points even in the face of defeat, yet the overall team performance has been below expectations. The Pelicans lost that game 118-116, with Jayson Tatum hitting a last-second shot to seal the victory for Boston.
The Road to Recovery
Typically, a torn Achilles tendon requires around eight to nine months to heal, which means that although Murray will miss the rest of this season, he will also likely miss part of next season as well. This long recovery period poses concerns for both Murray and the Pelicans as they look to regain strength and compete in future seasons. Murray was in his first season of a four-year, $114 million contract, making his recovery even more critical for his future and the team.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans are placed in a tough position and will need to lean on what remains of their roster while they navigate this significant loss. As they look to make the best of the situation, the focus will inevitably shift to how they can support their remaining players and build for next season. With injuries piling up and the team’s fortunes declining, fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Murray, along with improved health for the other star players who have been missing from the action.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and they can change the entire course of a season. For the Pelicans, losing a player of Murray’s caliber is particularly painful. Both fans and the team will be watching closely as they adjust to this significant change. As Murray starts his recovery journey, they will hope for good news in the seasons to come.
