NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Trey Murphy III has emerged as the New Orleans Pelicans’ leading scorer during a recent stretch as the team has begun to pick up the pace offensively at this point in the season.
Murphy is averaging 24 points per game over the past five games, leading the team during that span. He ranks second on the team in overall scoring at 21 points per game this season.
Before the Pelicans moved on from Willie Green to interim coach James Borrego, they struggled to reach the 110-point threshold that has become standard for winning in today’s NBA. Of their 22 losses this season, nearly half have come when scoring fewer than 110 points. In five of those defeats, the team failed to reach 100 points.
Since moving on to Borrego, the Pelicans have scored above 110 points in every game but one.
### Murphy’s expanded role
With key players injured, Murphy has taken on increased leadership responsibilities. His coach praised his recent performance across multiple areas.
“So versatile right now. I mean, he does it in transition. He’s doing it in the paint, off ball, on ball,” the coach said. “He’s doing it a number of ways. He hit big shots. He’s playmaking for us. And then he’s on the glass as well. You know, we’re asking him to guard. This is, he’s putting together a very impressive run, not just on the offensive end, but on the board, defensively. And just making timely plays for us. I’m really proud of him.”
The Pelicans will play their next three games at home, starting with the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Indiana Pacers visit Saturday, followed by the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 22.
All of those games will be televised live on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network.
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