Quick Read
- Trey Murphy III scored a career-high 44 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.
- He made 12 three-pointers, setting a New Orleans Pelicans franchise record.
- The Pelicans lost to the Bucks 141-137 in overtime, marking their eighth consecutive loss in Milwaukee.
- The game took place the night before the NBA trade deadline.
- Milwaukee played without key players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
MILWAUKEE (Azat TV) – New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III delivered a career-best performance Wednesday night, scoring 44 points and hitting a franchise-record 12 three-pointers, yet his heroics were insufficient as the Pelicans ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 141-137 in overtime at the Fiserv Forum. The high-scoring loss, coming on the eve of the NBA trade deadline, underscores the Pelicans’ ongoing struggles to close out games and raises questions about the team’s immediate future.
Murphy’s spectacular outing included shooting 12-of-19 from beyond the arc, a mark that not only set a new Pelicans franchise record, surpassing CJ McCollum’s 11 three-pointers from December 2022, but also tied Golden State’s Steph Curry for the most treys in a single game this NBA season. Despite his individual brilliance, which also included six rebounds and six assists, the Pelicans (13-40) could not secure a victory, extending their losing streak in Milwaukee to eight games, with their last win there dating back to February 2018.
Trey Murphy III’s Historic Shooting Performance
The 2026 season has seen Trey Murphy III take significant strides, a point emphasized by Pelicans’ interim head coach James Borrego. ‘Great game by Murph,’ Borrego stated after the contest. ‘You see how far he’s come. He’s really excelled this year. He’s made massive steps. Tonight was another indication of that.’ Borrego further praised Murphy’s all-around effort, noting his ‘shot making, playmaking, his defense, the boards,’ calling his contribution ‘huge tonight.’ Murphy’s 12 three-pointers are also notable in NBA history, matching the fifth-highest single-game total ever, with the all-time record of 14 held by Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors.
Pelicans’ Inability to Close Against Bucks
The New Orleans Pelicans appeared poised for a rare road victory, leading the Bucks for much of the game, including a 70-63 advantage at halftime and a 104-99 lead at the end of the third quarter. However, a familiar pattern of late-game collapse plagued the team. The Bucks, playing on the second night of a back-to-back and without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain) and Bobby Portis (right hip contusion), mounted a significant comeback. Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins, who finished with 27 points, hit a crucial three-pointer with 9:51 left in the fourth quarter to give the Bucks their first lead at 107-104.
Coach Borrego attributed the fourth-quarter collapse to defensive lapses. ‘It was our defense, not enough resistance,’ he explained. ‘They went on an 18-2 run… We had no resistance at the rim. They got downhill at will. Point of attack defense was just too weak, too soft. Defensively, we’ve got to be better.’ The Pelicans also struggled with turnovers, committing seven of their eight total turnovers in the second half and overtime, including a costly one by Zion Williamson with 6.5 seconds left in overtime that sealed their fate.
Trade Deadline Looms for New Orleans
This hard-fought overtime loss occurred just hours before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, adding an extra layer of tension and uncertainty for the New Orleans Pelicans’ roster. With a disappointing 13-40 record, the team is widely expected to explore options to reshape its lineup. Borrego addressed the impending deadline with his team, urging them to ‘Just do your job. Try to keep it as simple as possible. Don’t overthink it.’ He acknowledged the pervasive nature of trade rumors, especially with social media, but emphasized a ‘business as usual’ approach while recognizing players as ‘human beings.’
The Milwaukee Bucks (20-29), despite their own struggles and key injuries, managed to secure the win, with strong performances from Rollins, AJ Green (20 points), and Kevin Porter Jr. (18 points, nine assists, six rebounds), who returned after missing six games. The combined 45 three-pointers made by both teams showcased a high-octane offensive battle, but ultimately, the Pelicans’ defensive shortcomings and late-game execution errors proved insurmountable.
The Pelicans’ inability to convert a historic individual performance into a team victory highlights a recurring issue for the franchise, raising significant questions about their strategic direction and personnel decisions as the pivotal NBA trade deadline approaches.