The Pelicans just can’t catch a break. Already down Zion Williamson and Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans lost Dejounte Murray in the first quarter to what was later confirmed as a torn Achilles. Despite all that, they still nearly pulled off the upset, but Jayson Tatum’s fadeaway jumper with 0.2 seconds left handed the Pels a heartbreaking 118-116 loss to the Celtics on Friday night.
Murphy Goes Off, But It’s Not Enough
Trey Murphy III did everything he could to keep the Pelicans in it, dropping a season-high 40 points on a ridiculously efficient 15-of-20 shooting, including 8-of-12 from deep. It was his second monster game against Boston this season, but once again, it wasn’t enough.
Jose Alvarado (20 points) and CJ McCollum (17 points) provided some offensive support, though McCollum’s recent shooting slump from outside continued (1-of-7 from three, now 7-of-27 over the last four games). McCollum did come through with some big baskets late, including a clutch floater to tie the game at 116 with 24 seconds left, but Tatum knocked down the game-winner over him to win it for Boston.
Murray Goes Down… Again
This one hurts—literally and figuratively. Murray, who was playing much more like the player New Orleans traded for after missing the start of the season with a broken hand, went down in the first quarter with a non-contact injury. He had to be helped off the court, and postgame reports confirmed the worst: a torn Achilles. Just brutal.
Murray was averaging 19.1 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in January, and now the Pelicans are back to square one at point guard, putting even more pressure on the franchise to make a deal before the trade deadline. It’s been a tough year for him, dealing with injuries and family health issues, and now he’s facing another long road to recovery.
Boston’s Stars Deliver the Knockout Punch
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 28 points, while Tatum finished with 27 points and 10 assists, including the dagger in the final second. Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White each added 16, and Boston’s defense caused problems all night, forcing 20 Pelicans turnovers that led to 26 points.
Short-Handed Pelicans Show Fight, But It’s Not Enough
Give the Pelicans credit—they fought. With Zion out and Murray going down early, they got solid contributions from their role players. Yves Missi grabbed 13 boards and held his own against Porzingis. Karlo Matkovic, Brandon Boston Jr., and Javonte Green all stepped up in bigger roles, combining for 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and one block.
But at some point, injuries just become too much to overcome. This team has been patching things together all season, and now they’re heading into a brutal four-game road trip without their starting point guard. Next up? Two games in three nights versus the defending champs in Denver.
Buckle up, because it’s about to get even tougher.
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
READ MORE
- Pelicans buried under avalanche of threes, fall to Mavericks for fourth straight loss
- Pelicans host Mavericks aiming to snap three-game losing streak
- Pelicans fall to Raptors as frustrations boil over in tough road loss
- Pelicans look to salvage road trip in Toronto
- Bounce-back battle in Charlotte as Pelicans visit Hornets
- Second-half collapse ends Pelicans’ win streak in Memphis
- Pelicans look to extend 3-game winning streak with repeat performance against Jazz
- Pelicans soar past Jazz behind Zion’s double-double and hot shooting from deep
- Surging Pelicans look to leapfrog Jazz in the West
- Zion Williamson out as Pelicans host reeling Mavericks
- Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson lead Pelicans past Bulls to close 2-1 road trip
- Pelicans visit Bulls with season sweep, winning road trip on the line
- Murphy’s 30, Zion’s return not enough as Pelicans lose heartbreaker to Celtics
- Zion, Murphy return for Pelicans’ battle with Celtics
- With Zion suspended, CJ McCollum’s 38-point explosion leads Pelicans past 76ers
- Zion Williamson’s latest misstep results in one-game suspension
- Pelicans face 76ers in war of the wounded on Friday night
- Portland dominates Pelicans in 119-100 Blowout
- Williamson out as Pelicans battle Blazers to even season series
- Zion Williamson returns for Pelicans matchup with Timberwolves
- Pelicans’ road skid ends with 110-98 drubbing of Wizards
- Turnovers and more “McCollum Magic” keys to Pelicans ending road losing streak
- Was CJ McCollum’s big night an audition for a future trade?
- CJ McCollum drops 50 on Wizards, makes Pelicans’ losing streak disappear
- Worst vs Worst: Losing streaks collide as Pelicans host Wizards
- Can Pelicans find a match for Brandon Ingram before trade deadline?
- Pelicans center Yves Missi named Western Conference Rookie of the Month
