NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – DeJounte Murray drew a technical foul in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors after staring down Jamal Shead following a made 3-pointer. Shedd had fallen while attempting to guard Murray on the play.
The moment drew attention across the NBA, and the Pelicans fan base responded positively to Murray’s competitive display.
The Pelicans have not had an alpha like Dejounte Murray in their building since Demarcus Cousins.
They’ve had dudes like Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall who had edge and gave sparks. But Murray is that junkyard dog leader on the floor they haven’t had in years.
— Jesse Brooks (@jessecbrooks) March 12, 2026
Murray’s return fueling stretch run
New Orleans has gone 7-3 over its last 10 games since Murray’s return to the court.
Murray said the team’s current run is about building habits that carry into the offseason.
“We do them winning habits each and every day on and off the floor,” Murray said. “That togetherness, coming out and competing at a high level. And it’s just never about you as an individual. You know what you can bring to the table when we all put it in the pot. Mix it together and you got something special. Everybody buys in from top to bottom, bottom to top. That’s just the mentality — trying to build winning habits.”
Murray acknowledged the team’s standing in the Western Conference while pointing to what the stretch run can accomplish.
“We’re not the number one team in the West. Not a contender in the West, but what we can do is build,” Murray said. “Winning habits and just momentum going into the offseason.”
Up next
The Pelicans travel to Houston to face the Rockets on Friday (March 13). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will air live on the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network.
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