After nearly 13 months of waiting, sacrifice and rehab, Dejounte Murray is back. And he did it the way he prefers: attacking the rim.
In the New Orleans Pelicans’ 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriorsthe guard made his presence felt immediately. Less than 20 seconds into the game, he drove for a layup, as if to signal that the long layoff following his torn right Achilles tendon was behind him. The story came full circle with 1:04 left on the clock, when another driving finish gave the Pelicans a decisive five-point cushion.
The box score shows 13 points in 25 minutesalong with three assists, two rebounds and a steal, against five turnovers. But in this case, the numbers only tell part of the story.
I’ve been through a lot… I keep my chest out, my head high and a smile on my face. I’m ready to see where all of this takes me
Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray’s Return: Immediate Impact and Leadership
Head coach James Borrego managed his minutes carefully, but made sure Murray was on the floor for the possessions that mattered most. A deliberate choice: if you’re coming back, you’re coming back to make an impact.
He looked like himself. Didn’t miss a beat. For it to be his first game after all that time, I felt him on both ends of the floor. He was fantastic.
James Borrego
Beyond the plays, there was his presence. His voice. His energy. Zion Williamsonwho scored 26 points, highlighted a less visible but equally important aspect:
He has a way of keeping everyone engaged, even when frustration builds.
Zion Williamson
It’s not just about skill. It’s about emotional balance. On a team aiming to close out the final 23 games of the regular season the right way, Murray wants to be a steady point of reference.
At the final buzzer, the most meaningful moment unfolded: Murray’s daughter ran onto the court and embraced him. Shortly after, his teammates welcomed him in the locker room.
A huge celebration, for the journey he’s been through and the year he’s had.
James Borrego
Murray appreciated it – but he’s already looking ahead:
It was nice, but I’m ready for the next game. I’m hungry. I’m starving.
Dejounte Murray
Borrego wanted him on the floor in the decisive possessions. Not out of nostalgia, but out of trust. And when a coach puts you right back in that spot, it means he already sees you as part of the solution.
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