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Murphy III Shines With 28 Points As Pelicans Overpower Undermanned Cavs

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jake Rogers | Last updated 12/22/23

Trey Murphy III stepped up with 28 points, filling in for the absent Zion Williamson, to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 123-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Thursday night NBA slate. Williamson was sidelined due to illness as a flu outbreak affected several players.

Murphy, who missed the season’s first 19 games due to knee surgery, seized the opportunity for a standout performance in his first start. His six 3-pointers contributed significantly to the Pelicans’ victory, their fifth in six games.

Pelicans coach Willie Green praised Murphy’s impact, noting his ability to stretch the floor and boost the team’s offense. CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram supported the effort with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones also contributed despite not being fully fit.

“He should have had 40,” Green joked. “I’m just kidding. He can space the floor, he’s confident and he’s a weapon for us, for sure.”

The Cavaliers, missing their top three scorers Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley due to various ailments, were led by Dean Wade with 20 points and Isaac Okoro with 16. Despite their absences, Cleveland had a solid week, going 3-1 on their four-game homestand.

“Herb and J.V. are as tough as nails,” Green said. “They were a little under the weather, but it’s hard to keep them off the basketball court.”

New Orleans took control in the third quarter with a 14-point streak and continued to extend their lead in the fourth. Cleveland had closed the gap earlier in the third quarter but couldn’t sustain the momentum.

Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the team’s resilience despite being undermanned and the challenges they faced.

“We’ve had a great week,” Bickerstaff said. “To battle the things we’ve had to battle, this has been a successful week for us. We’ve just got to continue to put it together and hold down the fort.”

Murphy’s exceptional shooting late in the second quarter, including a 36-foot three-pointer, propelled the Pelicans to a 66-52 halftime lead. He expressed confidence in his return to form, feeling close to 100% fitness.

“I’m close to 100%, but I’m just getting back into a rhythm,” Murphy said.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans will begin a five-game homestand against the Houston Rockets, while the Cavaliers are set to face the Chicago Bulls, both games scheduled for Saturday night.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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