The Dejounte Murray injury is the ruptured right Achilles tendon caused in the course of the January 31, 2025, game played against the Boston Celtics, which has affected the star guard of the team. The New Orleans Pelicans are off the playground of a 2024-25 NBA season.
Confirmed by an MRI and followed by successful surgery, this devastating blow compounds the Pelicans’ injury-plagued campaign, leaving their 12-37 record in tatters and sparking U.S. fan discussions on X about Murray’s recovery and the team’s future.
The Injury That Shook New Orleans
Murray was injured during the first quarter of a 118-116 defeat by the Celtics on the road at Smoothie King Center, January 31, 2025.
In the case of Murray, he fell non-contact when he was on a fast break, although he clutched his right Achilles. An MRI confirmed a rupture, ending his season, per NBA.com.
A successful surgery was followed on February 5, 2025, but the setback crushed the Pelicans’ playoff hopes.
Key Details of the Incident
- Moment of Injury: Murray fell at 3:51 in Q1, grabbing his Achilles after a missed shot (Web ID 12).
- Immediate Impact: Exited with 4 points, 5 rebounds in 8 minutes, assisted to locker room.
- Team Reaction: Guard Jose Alvarado said, “It sucks, bro. That’s my dawg,” per The Athletic.
- Season stats: Murray recorded 17.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, and 6.5 RPG in 31 games.
Pelicans’ Injury-Plagued Season
The Dejounte Murray injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the Pelicans, who started 2024-25 with a talented roster but now languish at 12-37. Key absences include:
- Zion Williamson: Missed 36 games (hamstring issues).
- Brandon Ingram: Out 25 games (ankle sprain).
- Herb Jones: Absent 29 games (shoulder injury).
- CJ McCollum: Sidelined 13 games (adductor strain).
Murray’s earlier left-hand fracture (October 23, 2024) cost him 17 games, underscoring the team’s fragility. Coach Willie Green noted, “It’s a tough blow for us,” per Sportsnet.
Recovery Timeline and Challenges
The Dejounte Murray injury requires a grueling recovery. Achilles tears typically demand 9–12 months to return to play, with full explosiveness taking longer.
Murray’s rehab, following surgery by Dr. Robert Anderson, began optimistically, with a May 2025 update showing him walking unaided.
However, his availability for the 2025-26 season’s start (mid-October) remains uncertain. Green emphasized patience: “We need Dejounte at 100%,” per SportsTalk.
Personal Insight: A Fan’s Perspective
As an NBA fan, the Dejounte Murray injury hits hard. His triple-double threat (17.5 PPG, 7.4 APG) was the Pelicans’ engine, and seeing him crumple in New Orleans, where basketball is life, felt like a gut punch.
U.S. fans on X echo this, with posts calling him “irreplaceable” (Post ID 3). Murray’s resilience, shown after a 2018 ACL tear, gives hope, but the Pelicans’ roster woes make this a defining moment for their rebuild.
Trade Deadline and Roster Implications
The Dejounte Murray injury forces tough choices before the February 6, 2025, trade deadline. Acquired from Atlanta for Dyson Daniels and two first-round picks, Murray was New Orleans’ cornerstone.
Without him, the Pelicans may pivot, with Trey Murphy III’s 40-point game vs. Boston (Web ID 11) signaling a youth focus. Analyst Shams Charania noted, “This could alter the franchise’s course,” per FOX Sports.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Resilience
The Dejounte Murray injury epitomizes the Pelicans’ 2024-25 struggles, transforming a playoff hopeful into a 12-37 also-ran.
Murray’s absence, alongside Williamson and Ingram, leaves fans grappling with what could have been. Yet, his rehab progress and the team’s support offer hope.
For U.S. fans, the Dejounte Murray injury presents itself as the need to band together around a struggling franchise and look to a better next season.
Call-to-Action: Stunned by the Dejounte Murray injury? Comment on his recovery odds or predict the Pelicans’ next move! Share and follow for NBA updates.
Dejounte Murray battles through Achilles injury and personal turmoil in challenging year with Pelicans https://t.co/nKsD9xdS4G
— M Sports (@MSports_all) June 18, 2025
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