Injury shock for the Pelicans: Dejounte Murray breaks his arm in the season opener.
The New Orleans Pelicans will have to be without new guard Dejounte Murray for a long time. According to information from ESPN-Insider Shams Charania, Murray broke his left arm in Wednesday night’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Despite the 123:111 victory, this news clouds the joy of the successful start.
Strong start for Murray
Murray had a great performance in his first game for the Pelicans. The newcomer, who moved to New Orleans from the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, scored 14 points, handed out 10 assists and grabbed eight rebounds. He joins the ranks of Pelicans players to record at least 10 assists in their first game – a feat previously accomplished only by Elfrid Payton (2018) and Baron Davis (2002).
The injury occurred shortly before the end of the game. With just over two minutes left on the clock and New Orleans leading by 12 points, Murray attempted a three-pointer from the top of the key. As he landed, Zach LaVine tripped him and fell to the ground. Murray immediately grabbed his left arm and refused help from a teammate when he tried to help him.
Despite the obvious pain, Murray still stood to the free throw line and converted two of three shots. Shortly afterwards, however, he was substituted and did not return to the field. Remarkably, he finished the game with one turnover – a feat he only accomplished twice last season with the Hawks, when he had 10 assists and one turnover at most in a game.
More worries for the Pelicans
The Pelicans were already without their star forward Zion Williamson, who was out for a short time due to illness. The possible injury to Murray could affect the plans of coach Willie Green.
After initially suspecting a broken arm, Charania confirmed the bitter diagnosis.