The New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t capitalize on a career-high 41-point explosion from Trey Murphy III as they fell to the Denver Nuggets 125-113 on Monday night. Murphy was sensational, pouring in 39 of the Pelicans’ first 85 points and keeping the team within striking distance after a slow start.
His 13-of-21 shooting performance, including eight three-pointers, showcased his rising star power, but the supporting cast struggled, shooting just 37.3% from the field. Despite the loss, Murphy’s recent form—averaging 37.7 points over the last three games—is a bright spot for a team navigating an injury-plagued season.
New Orleans fought back from a 20-point deficit to close within eight by the end of the third quarter but couldn’t sustain the momentum. CJ McCollum chipped in 30 points, and Zion Williamson contributed 14, but Nikola Jokic’s 27-point triple-double and Michael Porter Jr.’s season-high 36 points proved too much to overcome.
Denver’s early 14-2 run after a tied first quarter established a lead they never relinquished, extending New Orleans’ losing streak to six games. With a rematch against the Nuggets looming on Wednesday, the Pelicans must regroup and find consistency as they aim to reignite their playoff aspirations.
