Trey Murphy III Steps Up as Pelicans’ Offense Finds New Gear Under Borrego
The New Orleans Pelicans have found a new rhythm, and at the heart of it is Trey Murphy III - a player who’s not just filling in, but standing out.
Over the last five games, Murphy has been the Pelicans’ go-to scorer, averaging 24 points per contest and leading the team during that stretch. On the season, he’s now second on the team in scoring at 21 points per game, but it’s the way he’s getting those points that’s turning heads.
This offensive surge comes at a pivotal moment. After parting ways with head coach Willie Green and handing the reins to interim coach James Borrego, the Pelicans have seen a noticeable shift in offensive output.
Under Green, the team often struggled to crack the 110-point mark - a benchmark that’s almost a prerequisite for winning in today’s high-octane NBA. Nearly half of their 22 losses this season came when they failed to reach that number, and in five of those games, they didn’t even hit 100.
But since Borrego took over, the Pelicans have surpassed 110 points in every game but one. That’s not just a stat - it’s a signal of a team finding its offensive identity. And Murphy is right in the middle of it.
With several key players sidelined, Murphy has stepped into a larger role - and he’s not just filling the box score. He’s leading by example. His coach didn’t hold back in praising the third-year wing’s all-around impact.
“So versatile right now,” Borrego said. “He’s doing it in transition, in the paint, off the ball, on the ball.
He’s hitting big shots, making plays, getting on the glass, and we’re asking him to guard too. He’s putting together a very impressive run - not just offensively, but defensively and on the boards.
He’s making timely plays for us. I’m really proud of him.”
It’s the kind of stretch that shows Murphy isn’t just a shooter or a role player - he’s evolving into a two-way threat who can impact the game in multiple facets. Whether he’s spotting up from deep, cutting to the rim, or creating off the bounce, he’s become a matchup problem for opposing defenses. And on the other end, he’s holding his own - showing the kind of defensive effort and rebounding presence that coaches love and teammates feed off of.
This next homestand offers the Pelicans a chance to keep building momentum. They’ll host the Houston Rockets on Thursday, the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, and the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 22 - three games that could further cement this new-look offense and Murphy’s growing role within it.
All three matchups will be televised live on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, giving fans a front-row seat to a team that’s starting to click - and a player who’s rising right along with them.