Dejounte Murray delivered a standout performance, scoring 30 points as the New Orleans Pelicans edged the Dallas Mavericks 119-116 on Wednesday night. Trey Murphy III’s pivotal defensive play in the final seconds sparked debate, but it secured New Orleans’ third win in four games.
Murphy, who recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds, blocked Spencer Dinwiddie’s potential game-winning layup with four seconds left. Replays suggested the block may have been a goaltend, as the ball appeared to hit the backboard first. However, the Mavericks, out of timeouts, couldn’t challenge the no-call.
Javonte Green added 13 points, including a clutch three-pointer that put New Orleans ahead 116-114 with 43.9 seconds remaining. Rookie Yves Missi and Jordan Hawkins contributed 12 points apiece, as the Pelicans (10-32) capitalized on Dallas’ 17 turnovers, scoring 24 points off those mistakes.
Daniel Gafford had a career night for Dallas, leading the team with 27 points on 12-of-13 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds. Jaden Hardy scored 21 points, while Dinwiddie added 20. The Mavericks (22-19), who were without Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively due to injuries, have now lost three straight and eight of their last ten games.
Dallas appeared poised for a comeback after a 20-6 run in the third quarter gave them a 91-87 lead. Klay Thompson, who scored seven of his 12 points in the final minutes, drained a deep three-pointer to put the Mavericks ahead 114-111. However, a late turnover by Thompson, forced by CJ McCollum, shifted momentum back to New Orleans.
The Pelicans were also short-handed, missing Zion Williamson due to rest following a game on Tuesday. Despite the absence of their star, New Orleans’ bench stepped up, with Brandon Boston Jr. adding nine points and Daniel Theis securing five rebounds.
Dallas outshot New Orleans 47.8% to 44.3% from the field and won the battle on the boards 45-49. However, the Mavericks’ 17 turnovers, compared to the Pelicans’ 10, proved costly in a tightly contested game.
