Explosive! 62 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists in two games! Zion awaits the return of the All-Star guard.

High-quality player.

In the recent two games, Murray has erupted superbly: against the Eastern 7th-ranked Raptors with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and against the Western 3rd-ranked Rockets with 35 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists. Combined, he blasted 62 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, averaging 31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals per game with comprehensive stats, shooting 68.4% from the field and 54.5% from three-point range.

During the summer offseason of 2024, the Pelicans sent out Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, and two first-round draft picks to acquire Murray from the Hawks.

However, Murray, originally known as an iron man, has suffered frequent injuries since joining the Pelicans, including major injuries like a left-hand fracture and a right Achilles tendon tear.

Thus, from last season to this season so far, he has only played 39 games total for the Pelicans, leading to him facing considerable skepticism.

Fortunately, Murray is now proving with his performance that, when healthy, he is the answer for the Pelicans' backcourt position. In the 8 games since his return this season, he has led the team to a 4-4 record, and the interior core Zion Williamson can play easily alongside him, receiving easy baskets without needing to carry the offensive load like a炸药包 into the paint every time.

Zion previously commented on Murray's return, saying it's great to see him back on the court, and even during his injury recovery period, Murray remained connected to the team.

Murray, born September 19, 1996, is a tall point guard at 1.93m height with a 2.11m wingspan. He was the 29th pick in the first round of the 2016 draft. He spent his first six NBA seasons entirely with the Spurs, especially in the 21-22 season averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 2 steals per game with豪华 stats, earning All-Star selection and Steals Leader honors. In summer 2022, he was traded to the Hawks, and later as described, sent to the Pelicans.

Murray's current contract runs until summer 2028. His salary this season is $26.78 million, and the total salary for the following two seasons is $59.32 million.

The Pelicans, so far this season, stand at 22 wins and 46 losses, ranking 13th in the West, trailing the 10th-place Trail Blazers by 10.5 games, making them one of the teams preparing earliest for the next season.