The New Orleans Pelicans’ season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls may have come with a significant loss. Dejounte Murray, the offseason trade acquisition, is feared to have fractured his left hand during the 123-111 victory. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, further testing will be needed to determine the full extent of the injury and establish a timeline for his return.
The injury seemingly occurred late in the fourth quarter, with the Pelicans holding a 119-107 lead. Murray landed awkwardly after a contested shot when Bulls guard Zach LaVine interfered with his landing spot. The resulting fall was hard, with Murray using his hands to break the impact.
Murray drew a foul on the play but was visibly in pain. Despite this, he shot his free throws and continued to play until the one-minute mark, demonstrating his resilience. A video clip shared by Pelicans Film Room on Twitter captured the moment of the injury, showing Murray refusing assistance with his left hand after the fall. The caption reads: “Likely the play where Dejounte injured his left hand. He didn’t want to be helped up by that hand.”
In the game, Murray recorded 14 points on 4-of-15 shooting, along with 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and one turnover. Despite his shooting struggles, his impact on the floor was felt through his playmaking and defense, helping secure the Pelicans’ win.
Murray’s injury could be a significant setback for the Pelicans, who traded for the versatile guard in June. The deal sent two first-round draft picks, center Larry Nance Jr., and guard Dyson Daniels to the Atlanta Hawks. Murray was expected to be a key piece in the Pelicans’ backcourt alongside C.J. McCollum, filling a role that Atlanta was unable to fully utilize.
Now, the Pelicans may face an uncertain period without Murray in their lineup, potentially slowing down their plans for the season. Fans and the team alike are hoping for the best as they await the results of further testing.