Pelicans Seal Victory On Trey Murphy's Game-Saving Rejection
In a thrilling finish, the New Orleans Pelicans rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Sacramento Kings 113-111 on Wednesday night. Trey Murphy III's game-saving rejection of Harrison Barnes' potential game-winning layup with just seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Pelicans.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Kings dominated the first half, shooting 54.5% from the field and taking a 59-46 lead into the break. De'Aaron Fox led the way with 17 points, while Domantas Sabonis added 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Pelicans, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 39.4% from the field.
The Pelicans came out with a renewed energy in the second half, outscoring the Kings 35-18 in the third quarter to take a 81-77 lead. Brandon Ingram led the charge with 14 points in the quarter, while Murphy added nine points. The Kings rallied in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 111 with just over a minute remaining. However, Murphy's game-saving rejection of Barnes' layup sealed the victory for the Pelicans.
Individual Performances
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 31 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Zion Williamson added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Murphy finished with 16 points, three rebounds, and two steals. For the Kings, Fox led the way with 26 points, while Sabonis finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Barnes added 15 points.
Key Stats
| Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | 46.2% | 36.0% | 76.2% | 41 | 22 |
| Kings | 48.2% | 35.7% | 73.7% | 40 | 19 |
The Pelicans' victory was their second in a row, improving their record to 30-28. The Kings, meanwhile, dropped to 28-29, but remained in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Different Perspectives
The Pelicans' victory was a major talking point in the NBA community. Some praised the Pelicans' resilience and ability to come back from a 13-point deficit. Others criticized the Kings for their inability to close out the game. Here are a few different perspectives on the game:
- "The Pelicans showed a lot of heart and determination to come back from that deficit," said ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. "They never gave up and they found a way to win."
- "The Kings had a chance to win this game, but they made too many mistakes down the stretch," said Fox Sports analyst Skip Bayless. "They had a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter and they couldn't close it out."
- "Trey Murphy's game-saving rejection was one of the most impressive plays I've seen all season," said NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley. "That kid is going to be a star."
Conclusion
The Pelicans' victory over the Kings was a thrilling finish. The Pelicans showed a lot of heart and determination to come back from a 13-point deficit, and Trey Murphy's game-saving rejection was one of the most impressive plays of the season. The Kings, meanwhile, will need to learn from their mistakes down the stretch if they want to make a run in the playoffs.
The Pelicans' victory also has broader implications for the NBA. It shows that any team can win on any given night, and that the Western Conference playoff race is still very much up for grabs.
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Pelicans Seal Victory On Trey Murphy's Game-Saving Rejection