CLEVELAND — The New Orleans Pelicans, led by a stunning performance from Trey Murphy III, secured a commanding 123-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Murphy, stepping in for the ailing Zion Williamson, erupted for 28 points, including six 3-pointers, propelling the Pelicans to a decisive win.
New Orleans faced the challenge without Williamson, sidelined due to an illness that has plagued the team recently. Despite his absence, the Pelicans showcased their depth and resilience, with Murphy taking center stage. The forward, who missed the season’s first 19 games due to left knee surgery, demonstrated his scoring prowess and ability to step up in critical moments.
Murphy’s performance was complemented by key contributions from CJ McCollum, who netted 18 points, and Brandon Ingram, adding 17. Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones, both not fully fit, showed grit by playing through their ailments, scoring 13 and 7 points respectively.
The Cavaliers, significantly undermanned, missed the services of their top three scorers — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley — who collectively average 63 points per game. Mitchell was out due to illness, while Garland and Mobley are recovering from injuries.
Dean Wade led Cleveland with 20 points, and Isaac Okoro added 16 in an effort to fill the scoring void. Despite the loss, Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff remained optimistic, citing the team’s overall strong performance during a challenging homestand.
The Pelicans dominated the game, particularly in the second half. They closed the third quarter on a 14-point run, taking a substantial 94-76 lead into the final period. Their momentum continued, stretching the lead to 24 points in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland attempted a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 80-76, sparked by Dean Wade’s three-pointer. However, New Orleans swiftly quashed these efforts with a decisive 14-0 run, highlighting their transition play and inside scoring.
Murphy’s hot shooting streak was a highlight, especially in the late second quarter, where he hit three long-range threes, including a remarkable 36-footer. This surge helped the Pelicans establish a 66-52 lead at halftime. Murphy, feeling close to his best form, indicated his readiness to contribute significantly to the team’s efforts.
In contrast, Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, coming off a career-high performance, struggled with a wrist issue and couldn’t replicate his previous game’s success. Rookie Craig Porter Jr. stepped up for Cleveland with a season-high 11 assists.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans return home to face Houston on Saturday, while the Cavaliers travel to take on Chicago the same night.
