The New Orleans Pelicans had to live without Dejounte Murray for over a year.
Now, they are living with him and enjoying the view. Most of all, they are enjoying his performance.
Murray continues to improve on a game-by-game basis and put forth his best performance Thursday night as New Orleans pulled away in the second half for a 122-111 victory over Toronto at Smoothie King Center Wednesday night.
The win came against a solid Raptors team that entered the game sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Murray scored a season high 27 points on 12 of 20 shooting from the floor. Murray added six assists, five rebounds and two steals.
As important as Murray’s outstanding play has been, the fire he has brought to the floor has lit a fire under his teammates.
With the game decided late in the fourth quarter, Murray made a step-back 3-pointer with 1:24 to play.
He then stood over Jamal Shead and taunted him as Shead had grabbed Murray prior to the shot and no foul was called.
While Murray drew an unnecessary technical foul, the competitive spirit and toughness he displayed and has displayed has clearly helped this team to play better basketball while improving its overall skill level.
Brandon Ingram made his return to New Orleans.
Ingram, who spent five and a half years with the Pelicans, received a nice video tribute from the franchise he once played for.
He went out and scored 22 points in a good effort but was overshadowed by Murray and Trey Murphy, who scored a game-high 28 points, including going 5 of 8 from 3-point range. Murphy added seven rebounds.
New Orleans led 60-58 at halftime before going on a decisive 17-2 run in the third quarter to separate from the Raptors.
The Raptors would never lead again.
Zion Williamson scored 19 points while Herb Jones added 16 points for New Orleans.
The Pelicans moved the ball well, finishing with 27 assists, outrebounded Toronto 49-43 and shot 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range (14 of 29).
New Orleans (22-45) travel to play a very good team Friday night in Houston.