At the beginning of September, about three weeks before the start of training camp, Trey Murphy was cut down in training by a torn meniscus in his left knee. The verdict was final: ten to twelve weeks of unavailability.
“ It was a very difficult day for me, because I knew it would be a big year for me. I had worked very hard during the summer “, noted on this subject the winger of Pelicanswho was coming off the best season of his career (14.5 points on average, 48% shooting, 41% 3-point shooting and 91% shooting).
The Pelicans' new 6th man
Three months later, Trey Murphy III could finally launch his third year in the league this night. And to warm up, nothing better than hosting the worst team in the West, namely San Antonio (without Victor Wembanyama).
Used off the bench, although he was regularly started last season due to the numerous absences of New Orleans, the 23-year-old did not disappoint: 18 points in 22 minutes in this victory. He let his shooting quality (4/10 from 3-point range) and his dunking skills speak for themselves.
“ He has been an important part of our success over the past two seasons », already reminds his coach, Willie Green. “ We were encouraging him to get back on the pitch and it was as if he hadn't been away. Now it will be about building chemistry with the whole team. »
Accomplice with Zion Williamson
Speaking of alchemy, Trey Murphy III said he was delighted to be able to rediscover his complicity with Zion Williamson, who makes his life easier with the two-person takes that he generally undergoes. The Spurs were able to notice this in the second half.
“ Our games are different, but they work really well together “, thus judges the 17th choice of the 2021 Draft. “ It's a yin and yang situation. The defenders have to go help on him and, if they do, I'm going to get an open 3-pointer. If they're not going to help, he's going to get a layup. It's a bit like: 'Choose your poison, but you're going to lose either way.' »
Also reinforced by CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado, while waiting for Larry Nance Jr. to return for good, the Pelicans (11-9) now seem ready to take off in the standings, currently climbing to 8th place in the standings. the Western Conference.
| Trey Murphy | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 62 | 14 | 39.4 | 38.2 | 88.2 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 5.4 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 8 | 32 | 51.3 | 47.8 | 92.3 | 1.8 | 3.9 | 5.6 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 14.0 |
| Total | 70 | 16 | 41.9 | 40.1 | 89.1 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 6.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
