HOT STREAK LIFTS PELICANS PAST RAPTORS, EXTENDS WIN TOTAL
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The New Orleans Pelicans pushed their post-All-Star momentum forward Wednesday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors 122-111 at Smoothie King Center. The victory marked their 22nd of the campaign, eclipsing last season’s total and giving the club seven wins in its last 10 outings.
Trey Murphy III paced New Orleans with 28 points, while guard Dejounte Murray added 27. Murray, who recently returned from an Achilles injury, has scored in double figures in all seven games since rejoining the lineup and is averaging 17.6 points over that span.
“We’re trying to build winning habits every day on and off the court,” Murray told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “Every game is a playoff game. There’s nothing like building momentum going into the offseason.”
Interim head coach James Borrego praised Murray’s impact. “He’s bringing a fire and competitiveness,” Borrego said. “It’s his shot-making, his defense, his communication, his leadership.”
Ingram’s Return
Former Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram scored 22 points in his first game back in New Orleans with his new team. He went scoreless in the fourth quarter but said the city still feels familiar. “It reminded me of home,” Ingram told The Athletic. “The slang, everything. The love we shared always felt like home.”
Challenging Stretch Ahead
Wednesday’s contest opened a demanding run in which New Orleans will face playoff or play-in opponents in nine of its next 10 games. “It’s a great measuring stick to see where we’re at,” Borrego said. “We’ll get tested again here coming up, which is great for us.”
Source: HoopsRumors
