New Orleans Pelicans star guard Dejounte Murray intends to make his return for Wednesday night’s home game against the Toronto Raptors, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Monday.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray suffered his hand injury while attempting a 3-pointer against the Chicago Bulls
Murray, 28, has been out since suffering a fractured left hand during New Orleans’ 123-111 season-opener victory over the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23. Medical imaging confirmed the injury then for the eight-year veteran.
He appeared to sustain the injury with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. With New Orleans leading by 12, Murray attempted a 3-pointer from the top of the key and was fouled by Zach LaVine on his way down.
Sources: New Orleans Pelicans star Dejounte Murray — who fractured his left hand on opening night — intends to make his return Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/5T4DGxdo0y
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 25, 2024
The 6-foot-5 Murray then tumbled over and came up holding his left hand. He refused assistance when a teammate tried to lift him back up with that hand. The Washington product was subbed out for good with a minute to play.
Murray recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists in nearly 30 minutes of action. He also finished 4-of-15 (26.7%) shooting from the field and 6-of-7 (85.7%) at the foul line.
Murray became only the third player in Pelicans history to dish out 10 assists in his team debut
Despite the injury, Murray became the third player in Pelicans history to dish out 10 assists in his team debut, joining Elfrid Payton (2018) and Baron Davis (2002).
Additionally, Murray had just one turnover on the night. Last season with the Atlanta Hawks, he had only two games total with 10 assists and one or fewer turnovers.
Murray was acquired by the Pelicans in an offseason trade with the Hawks. In 78 games (all starts) last season with Atlanta, he averaged a career-high 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 35.7 minutes per contest.
He finished 18th in points (1,753), 12th in field goals (672), 11th in assists (502), sixth in steals (111), and seventh in minutes played (2,783). His true shooting percentage (55.5%) and 3-point attempt rate (37.9%) were career bests as well.
