The New Orleans Pelicans welcomed back guard Dejounte Murray during their game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center. Murray, who missed 13 months due to a torn right Achilles tendon sustained on January 31, 2025, against the Boston Celtics, marked his return in a memorable fashion by scoring his first basket just 18 seconds into the contest.
Quick Impact With a Reverse Layup on Opening Play
On the opening possession, Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan delivered a bounce pass to Murray, who cut sharply from the left corner. Demonstrating impressive agility, Murray executed an acrobatic reverse layup, securing his first points since the Achilles injury. The crowd gave a warm ovation as the team acknowledged Murray last during the starting lineup announcement, highlighting his significance to the franchise.
Dejounte Murray cuts backdoor for his first bucket in his return 😤
This is his first game since January 31st 2025!
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
Short but Promising Playing Time
Murray’s playing time was limited to five minutes in his initial stint, during which he scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting. Despite the limited minutes, the guard showed signs of regaining his athletic form, which had been gradually returning since his surgery. Pelicans fans responded enthusiastically as he left the court, hopeful for more contributions in the coming games.
Recovery Progress Evident Months Before Return
Months before this return, Murray hinted at a strong recovery trajectory. At the six-month post-operation mark, he shared a video displaying a reverse dunk, signaling a promising regain of athleticism during rehabilitation.
6 MONTHS AND THIS SH*T FEEL LIGHT!!! 😁 I Catch Back Up With Y’all In A Few!!! 😤😈 #DM5🖤
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray)
Potential Impact on Pelicans’ Future
Since earning a full-time starter role in the 2020 season, Murray has averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. His return could provide a significant boost to the Pelicans’ rebuilding efforts or make him a valuable trade asset for teams seeking an experienced, versatile guard. As Murray continues to regain form, his performance will be closely watched given the uncertainty surrounding full recovery from such a severe injury.
Dejounte Murray cuts backdoor for his first bucket in his return 😤
This is his first game since January 31st 2025!
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026
6 MONTHS AND THIS SH*T FEEL LIGHT!!! 😁 I Catch Back Up With Y’all In A Few!!! 😤😈 #DM5🖤 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 20, 2025
