- Dejounte Murray showcased his scoring prowess, leading the Pelicans with 30 points and hitting crucial shots down the stretch.
- Trey Murphy III proved to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor, contributing significantly to the scoring, rebounding, and ultimately securing the win with his game-saving block.
- Despite facing multiple challenges from a determined Mavericks squad, the Pelicans demonstrated resilience and the ability to answer back, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory.
The New Orleans Pelicans held off a late surge from the Dallas Mavericks to secure a thrilling 119-116 victory on Wednesday night. Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with a dazzling 30-point performance, while Trey Murphy III shone with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and a game-saving block in the final seconds.
The Pelicans started strong, building an early lead fueled by a barrage of 3-pointers and aggressive drives to the basket. Missi, Murphy, Murray, Green, and McCollum all contributed from beyond the arc, helping New Orleans establish a 33-27 advantage after the first quarter.
The second half saw both teams trade blows. A 14-4 run by the Pelicans, ignited by Gafford's basket, was answered by a Dinwiddie-led surge from the Mavericks. Dallas, behind strong performances from Gafford, Hardy, and Dinwiddie, took a 91-87 lead into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Murphy's five straight points helped New Orleans regain momentum, and Murray's clutch shooting kept them in the lead. However, Thompson's timely scoring put the Mavericks back on top 112-109 with just over a minute remaining.
With the game hanging in the balance, Green drilled a crucial 3-pointer to give the Pelicans a 116-114 lead with 45 seconds left. After a series of free throws and a crucial turnover by New Orleans, Dinwiddie had a chance to tie the game with a drive to the basket. But Murphy rose to the occasion, swatting away Dinwiddie's shot and sealing the victory for the Pelicans with two free throws.
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