New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray sustained a fractured left hand in Wednesday evening’s season-opening 123-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls, in accordance with a number of reviews.
MRI assessments confirmed the harm to the eight-year veteran. Murray, 28, ended his evening with 14 factors, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in his debut for New Orleans. He was acquired in an offseason commerce with the Atlanta Hawks.
Murray appeared to maintain the harm with simply over two minutes left within the fourth quarter. With New Orleans main by 12, Murray tried a 3-pointer from the highest of the important thing and was fouled by Zach LaVine on his manner down.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is feared to have a fractured left hand, sources inform ESPN. Troublesome opening evening harm for Pelicans and Murray, who posted 14 factors, 10 assists and eight rebounds in season-opening victory over Chicago. pic.twitter.com/JcDxdoSCKd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2024
The 6-foot-5 Murray then tumbled over and got here up holding his left hand. He refused help when a teammate tried to elevate him again up with that hand.
Murray was nonetheless in a position to try his free throws on the line, making 2-of-3 pictures. Nevertheless, he was subbed out for good with a minute to play. He didn’t converse with reporters after the sport.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray had left the crew days earlier for a household emergency
“Hopefully, he’s not out too lengthy,” Pelicans guard CJ McCollum mentioned. “He checked out me and mentioned his hand didn’t really feel proper. [Murray] simply continued to play. … He battled via, he performed and performed effectively contemplating these circumstances.”
Based on ESPN’s Shams Charania, Murray’s standing for the opener was already doubtful earlier than his harm after he had left the crew days earlier to take care of what coach Willie Inexperienced referred to as a “household emergency.”
Regardless of the harm, Murray grew to become the third participant in Pelicans historical past to dish out 10 assists in his crew debut, becoming a member of Elfrid Payton (2018) and Baron Davis (2002).
Murray had only one turnover on the evening. Final season with the Hawks, he had simply two video games complete with 10 assists and one or fewer turnovers.
New Orleans already was lacking star ahead Zion Williamson, who was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup on account of an sickness. Williamson’s absence marked his 207th missed regular-season sport since he was drafted No. 1 general in 2019.
The Pelicans go to the Portland Path Blazers on Friday evening.
