On January 31, 2025, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career, scoring 40 points against the Boston Celtics, leading his team even as they faced significant challenges due to injuries. Despite Murphy's impressive outing, the Pelicans fell short, losing 118-116, marking their fifth consecutive defeat.
Murphy showcased his scoring prowess throughout the game, playing 38 minutes and shooting remarkably well—75% from the field. He made 15 out of 20 total shots, including 8 of 12 from beyond the three-point arc. Not only did he score, but he also contributed significantly with five rebounds and four assists, accumulating 50 fantasy points by the end of the match.
Despite being shorthanded, with stars like Zion Williamson out due to illness and Dejounte Murray suffering from a non-contact lower leg injury, Murphy stepped up as the primary scorer. His 40-point performance was not just impressive as one of the highest of his season but came closely aligned with his career-high of 41 points scored earlier against the Portland Trail Blazers.
From the very start, Murphy was locked in. He poured 16 points onto the board during the first quarter, helping New Orleans secure a 34-31 lead at the end of the period. His explosive start set the tone for the game, and they kept the contest close against the defending NBA champions.
Throughout the game, Murphy hit key shots, including one stunning three-pointer from several feet behind the arc, bringing the Pelicans within reach as they approached the final minutes. He was relentless and efficient, attacking from multiple angles—three-pointers, mid-range, and quick drives to the basket, providing fans a glimpse of his diverse scoring arsenal.
Meanwhile, on the Celtics’ side, Jayson Tatum emerged as the key player, ensuring Boston's victory with his game-winning jumper with only 0.2 seconds left on the clock. Tatum’s final shot capped off a performance where he finished with 27 points, alongside Jaylen Brown’s 28 points, as they regained the lead late and clinched the win.
The Pelicans' struggles were exacerbated by injuries. Dejounte Murray exited the game early after injuring his right leg, complicate matters for head coach Willie Green's squad. Murray had just made his return to full form after recovering from multiple setbacks, and his absence was palpably felt.
With the team already down two stars, Green complemented Murphy’s significant contributions, stating, "Huge step for Trey. He wants it. He works at it. You can see it in his eyes when he's on the floor. He's been building to moments like this. It was good to see him put it all together tonight." Murphy's development throughout the season indicates he could become the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward.
Despite the loss, the game highlighted significant positive notes for the Pelicans, particularly Murphy’s rising star status. This season, he has recorded six games where he scored over 30 points, with two of those performances coming against the Celtics alone. His consistency—rising his average from 14.8 points per game last season to 22.1 this year—shows he is stepping up at the right time.
The loss also brought forth strategic challenges for the Pelicans. Remaining competitive after losing two key players requires strong bench contributions, which were felt significantly during the game. Jose Alvarado finished with 20 points, showing promise from the reserve position, alongside other players who took on larger roles.
Up next, the Pelicans face more challenges as they hit the road for four games, including matchups against the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the team as they navigate the season and aim to find their footing amid injuries and roster adjustments.
This game, though tough on the scoreboard, has solidified Murphy’s position as a player to watch, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Pelicans. They may have lost to the Celtics, but Murphy's performance shines as a beacon of hope for fans and players alike.