New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, sources confirm. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Friday night’s 118-116 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Murray’s Injury Details

Murray drove into the lane and took a shot but fell to the court while chasing his miss. He immediately grabbed his right Achilles area and had to hobble to the Pelicans’ bench. Shortly after, the team announced he would not return.

Head coach Willie Green expressed his disappointment after the game:

“It’s a challenge. It’s a challenge. I’ll leave it at that.”

Although the team is awaiting official imaging, Shams Charania of ESPN confirmed Murray suffered a torn Achilles, effectively ending his season.

Pelicans Players React

Murray’s injury is yet another blow for the Pelicans, who were already missing Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones.

His teammate Jose Alvarado spoke about Murray’s toughness and leadership:

“He’s one of the toughest soldiers I know… I think I shed a tear.”

Trey Murphy III, who scored a career-high 40 points in the loss, also reacted emotionally:

“It hurt a lot. He’s been through a lot already… But a lot of times, God puts you through situations for a reason.”

What’s Next for the Pelicans?

The Pelicans, now 12-37 and sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, are in full rebuild mode. Losing Murray only adds to what has been a frustrating and injury-plagued season for New Orleans.

Coach Green assured that the team will continue to support Murray:

“We’ll make sure we’re there for him.”

With the Pelicans struggling, the focus now shifts to how they will navigate the rest of the season without one of their key guards.