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Trey Murphy’s Leap Transforms Pelicans’ Offense
Photo by Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Trey Murphy’s remarkable 32-point performance against the Chicago Bulls showcased his tremendous growth and solidified his position as a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, Murphy demonstrated his versatility by attacking the rim and drawing fouls, going a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line.
Murphy’s offseason work with Jayson Tatum’s trainer has clearly paid dividends, as he’s evolved into a three-level scorer capable of impacting the game even when his shot isn’t falling. His improved strength and finishing ability were on full display, allowing him to convert through contact and earn trips to the charity stripe.
The young forward’s development complements Zion Williamson’s game perfectly, creating spacing and drawing defensive attention that opens up opportunities for both players. Murphy’s emergence as a reliable scoring threat alongside Williamson could be the key to unlocking the Pelicans’ offensive potential.
Zion Williamson’s Impact
Zion Williamson’s return to the lineup has breathed new life into the Pelicans’ offense. His presence on the court creates mismatches and opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the game against the Bulls, Williamson’s efficiency was on full display as he scored 21 points on just 14 shot attempts.
The starting lineup featuring Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, and Yves Missi showed promise, particularly on the offensive end. While there are still defensive issues to address, the potential of this unit is evident in their impressive offensive rating.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ recent performance, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Defensive struggles and rebounding issues
- Jose Alvarado’s impact off the bench
- Implications for the Pelicans’ future lineup decisions
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Analysis New Orleans’ strategic shortcomings are significantly impacting Trey Murphy III’s performance, raising questions about team dynamics and coaching decisions. (Pelican Debrief)
Rumor As the NBA trade deadline nears, discussions intensify around which players are truly untouchable, stirring intrigue among Pelicans fans and analysts. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Pelicans host the Mavericks tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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