Trey Murphy III Erupts for Explosive Night as Pelicans Storm Back in Big Moment

trey murphy iii

New Orleans erupted in response to Trey Murphy III’s explosive night, as the second-year guard turned a tense matchup into a highlight reel and helped the Pelicans flip the game in a defining moment. Murphy poured in a career-high 34 points, including four timely threes, as New Orleans wrestled control late to defeat the visiting Dallas Mavericks 113-106 at the Smoothie King Center.

The Pelicans trailed by as many as 11 in the fourth, but Murphy’s barrage changed the tone. He scored 14 of his 34 after intermission, threading passes, driving to the rim, and jacking up long-range shots with a confidence that drew ripples through the arena. When he drilled a go-ahead triple with 2:11 to play, New Orleans finally seized the lead and never looked back.

Brandon Ingram contributed 22 points, showing the steady offense that has become a backbone for the team. Jonas Valančiūnas added a solid 12 rebounds to steady the frontline, and the Pelicans’ defense tightened after halftime, turning several Dallas possessions into transition chances. The Pelicans outscored the Mavericks by seven in the pivotal fourth quarter, flipping a game that had felt out of reach just minutes earlier.

Murphy’s night wasn’t just about scoring; he attacked with purpose and lifted his teammates with every make. 'I just tried to stay aggressive and read the defense,' Murphy said afterward. 'When our team needed a lift, I tried to be the guy who provided it. Credit to the guys for sticking with it and for the confidence we’ve built in crunch time.'

The Mavericks, who entered with a strong start but cooled late, found their rhythm stalling in the final period. Dallas coughed up several key possessions, and Murphy’s gravity helped open looks for his teammates. Jose Alvarado added seven points and a handful of in-your-face moments on the defensive end, feeding the Pelicans’ fast-break energy that became a hallmark of the rally.

Pelicans coach Willie Green praised Murphy’s evolution in a game that tested the team’s resolve. 'Trey does a lot of things well; he’s learning to harness his full range of skills under pressure,' Green said. 'When you have a night like this, it’s a reminder of the potential this group has when we stay connected on both ends.'

The game’s tone shifted in the third quarter, when New Orleans trimmed a double-digit deficit with a burst of defense and precision offense. Murphy, who has shown flashes of this kind of scoring during the season, finally delivered a breakout performance that could redefine his approach moving forward. The crowd roared with every big basket, turning the arena into a momentum machine as the Pelicans finally completed the comeback in front of their hometown fans.

In the end, the Pelicans finished with a balanced attack beyond Murphy’s heroic scoring run, cementing a win that felt like a turning point in a season full of competitive — and sometimes unpredictable — nights. The team now looks ahead with renewed confidence, knowing they can lean on a player who can single-handedly illuminate a game when momentum tilts against them.

Trey Murphy III Erupts for Explosive Night as Pelicans Storm Back in Big Moment

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