Trey Murphy III’s 41-Point Surge: Pelicans Fall Short Against Spurs Amid Injury Woes

Murphy’s Night to Remember: Pelicans Rely on Their Young Star

On November 8, 2025, Trey Murphy III stepped onto the Frost Bank Center court with the New Orleans Pelicans desperately needing a spark. Missing three key starters—Zion Williamson (hamstring), Yves Missi (illness), and Jordan Poole (quad strain)—the Pelicans’ offensive hopes rested squarely on Murphy’s shoulders. And the 23-year-old forward responded with one of the most electrifying performances of his career, matching his personal best with 41 points against the San Antonio Spurs.

Murphy’s effort was relentless. He shot a scorching 15-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range, and added nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal over 38 minutes. His scoring wasn’t just volume; it was timely, with 16 points in the first half and a remarkable 25 in the second. One moment in particular captured the night’s drama—a 38-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter, slicing the Spurs’ lead to just seven points. It was a shot that had fans and teammates alike jumping out of their seats, hoping for a comeback. ClutchPoints and CBS Sports both highlighted Murphy’s ability to shoulder the offensive load, especially with Williamson sidelined.

Supporting Cast Steps Up, But Spurs Hold Steady

Murphy wasn’t alone in fighting for the win. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears chipped in with 18 points, showcasing his growing confidence on the NBA stage. Herb Jones added 15, while rookie forward Derik Queen delivered an impressive stat line off the bench: 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in just 25 minutes. Queen’s tenacity was evident, playing the entire fourth quarter for a third straight game and helping the Pelicans cut the deficit to just three points at 122-119 late in the final period.

Yet, the Pelicans’ collective effort fell short. The Spurs, led by De’Aaron Fox in his season debut after missing eight games with a hamstring injury, countered every Pelicans run. Fox scored 24 points, including a stunning stretch of 13 consecutive in the second quarter, helping San Antonio build a critical halftime lead. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ young phenom, posted a commanding double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Vassell contributed 16 points. Harrison Barnes (15 points), Stephon Castle (14 points, 14 assists), and Julian Champagnie (14 points) rounded out a balanced Spurs attack.

San Antonio maintained a 43-40 rebounding advantage and, despite playing the second game of a back-to-back, looked fresher in the closing moments. The final buzzer sounded with the Spurs victorious, 126-119, marking New Orleans’ second loss to San Antonio this season—after a 120-116 overtime defeat just weeks earlier.

Injuries Shape the Pelicans’ Narrative

The story behind Murphy’s heroic scoring isn’t just about his individual growth; it’s about a team wrestling with adversity. The Pelicans entered the game at just 2-6 on the season, and the absence of Williamson, Missi, and Poole forced head coach Willie Green to dig deep into his bench. Murphy’s offensive explosion was, in many ways, a response to necessity. Until Williamson returns, Murphy is expected to continue leading the scoring charge. As CBS Sports reported, his season averages—17.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.9 three-pointers—make him the Pelicans’ most reliable fantasy asset. But the team’s struggles are bigger than numbers; they’re about chemistry, resilience, and the challenge of adapting to a constantly shifting lineup.

Derik Queen’s emergence as a playmaker, Jeremiah Fears’ poise, and Herb Jones’ steady presence offer some hope, but consistency remains elusive. The Pelicans’ defense—allowing 126 points—raises questions about rotations and energy, especially when several core players are missing. The Spurs’ ability to exploit these gaps, especially through Fox’s dynamic scoring and Wembanyama’s rim protection, highlighted the difference between a healthy, deep roster and one stretched thin.

Looking Ahead: Can Murphy Lead a Turnaround?

With the loss, New Orleans slipped to 2-7, while San Antonio improved to 7-2 and solidified their place near the top of the Western Conference. The Pelicans now face a tough road ahead, with their next matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Phoenix, a team with playoff aspirations, presents another stern test for Murphy and his teammates.

The big question: Can Murphy’s scoring streak translate into wins, or will the Pelicans’ injury problems continue to undermine their progress? The answer will likely depend on how quickly Williamson, Missi, and Poole can return to action—and whether the supporting cast can build on their flashes of promise.

For Murphy, this game was more than a personal milestone. It was proof that, even in adversity, individual brilliance can shine. But in the NBA, one player’s heroics rarely suffice. Basketball is a team game, and the Pelicans’ path back to relevance will require more than just scoring fireworks—it will demand collective resilience, smarter defense, and a healthy roster.

As fans look ahead, Murphy’s 41-point night stands as a beacon of hope, but also a reminder of how thin the margin is between dazzling performances and hard-earned victories.

Murphy’s career-high night was a testament to his growth and leadership, but the Pelicans’ inability to convert his heroics into a win underscores the challenges of relying on individual brilliance in a team sport. Until their stars return, New Orleans will need more than just highlight moments—they’ll need cohesion, depth, and a bit of luck to turn their season around.