Dejounte Murray is ready to get back on the court with the New Orleans Pelicans this Wednesday night, after being sidelined with a fractured left hand since the season opener against the Chicago Bulls on October 23.
When he steps onto the court to face the Toronto Raptors, there’s someone very special on his mind – his mom.
Murray opened up after practice on Tuesday about his time away from the team. He revealed that he had to leave during the preseason to take care of his mother, who had suffered a stroke. It was a tough situation, but as his mom got better, she encouraged him to return to the game.
“When she started to feel better, she wanted me to come back and play,” Murray said, adding that he initially started the season with the Pelicans in Chicago because his mom encouraged him to do so.
However, Murray felt that his hand injury toward the end of the game might have been a sign from above, telling him he needed to stay with his mom. “I wasn’t focused on getting back to playing; my priority was her,” he shared.
Now that his mom is recovering well and he’s feeling good, Murray is eager to get back to playing basketball. “I’m ready to hoop and play for my mom – she’ll be watching,” he said with determination.
The Pelicans (4-14) could definitely use Murray’s help, as they’ve been struggling, losing 14 out of their last 16 games. The team has been hit hard with injuries. Star player Zion Williamson has missed 12 games so far, including 11 due to a hamstring injury. Other key players like Herbert Jones and Brandon Ingram have also been dealing with injuries.
But Murray and fellow guard CJ McCollum are expected to suit up for the game against the Raptors. Despite the tough season so far, Murray remains positive and believes in the team’s ability to win. “I don’t care about the losses. Every time I step on the court, I feel like we can win,” he said. “That’s my mindset, and I hope it can inspire my teammates too.”