The New Orleans Pelicans continued their impressive run with a gritty 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, marking their seventh consecutive win at home. This triumph adds another chapter to the Pelicans' post-All-Star break resurgence, but it wasn't without its challenges. The absence of Dejounte Murray, who was resting due to his Achilles recovery, was keenly felt in the final minutes.
Despite missing Murray's calming presence, the Pelicans found a way to close out the game. Saddiq Bey stepped up as a playmaker with six assists, while Zion Williamson drew a crucial foul on Brook Lopez to help seal the win. This finish echoed earlier struggles from the season, where New Orleans often faltered in the third and fourth quarters, leading to late-game collapses.
Murray's return has been pivotal in changing that narrative. His ability to control the tempo and execute plays drawn up by interim head coach James Borrego has been instrumental. While the Pelicans managed to shut down the Clippers, the closing moments underscored just how vital Murray is to the team.
At a critical juncture in the third quarter, the Pelicans struggled to execute a play out of a timeout, resulting in a tough jumper for Herb Jones. Normally, Murray would have orchestrated a cleaner opportunity, highlighting his importance in clutch situations.
Since trading Brandon Ingram last season, the Pelicans have been in search of a closer. In the nine games since Murray's return, he has filled that role admirably. He hit a crucial three against the Raptors, sealed a win with a layup against the Warriors, and even in a narrow loss to Houston, he was outstanding in the clutch.
As the Pelicans continue to rack up wins, the prospect of maintaining this core for next season becomes more appealing. If the front office decides to keep the team intact, Dejounte Murray's role and influence could be more significant than ever.