Dejounte Murray’s return to the NBA has been a heartening spectacle, especially after the former All-Star guard faced a tough journey following an Achilles tear in January 2025. After undergoing surgery and enduring a prolonged rehabilitation, Murray finally made his on-court comeback last Tuesday, starting for the New Orleans Pelicans in a victory against the Golden State Warriors. He played nearly 25 minutes, showing flashes of his former self.
Continuing his resurgence, Murray played again on Thursday, seeing a similar court time and contributing effectively. While it was clear that he had some rust to shake off, his performance was encouraging. In his first game back, he scored 13 points, added three assists, grabbed two rebounds, and made a steal, shooting 5-11 from the field. He followed this with a stronger performance, netting 17 points, dishing out nine assists, securing three rebounds, and recording four steals, alongside a block, while getting to the free-throw line five times.
Though it’s worth noting that he experienced difficulties with ball control, registering 11 turnovers over the two games and shooting only 3-11 from three-point range, the overall impression of Murray’s return has been a positive one for him, the Pelicans, and fans of players making a comeback from similar injuries.
Murray’s journey, though arduous, offers a glimmer of hope for fellow player Jayson Tatum, who is also recovering from an Achilles injury. Murray’s injury had him sidelined for over a year, while Tatum just marked the 10-month mark in his recovery. Although the three-month difference in recovery timelines is significant, Tatum’s hard work in rehabilitation and the swiftness of his surgery bodes well for his return this season. The optimism surrounding Tatum’s recovery is palpable, especially with Murray’s recent success as a backdrop.
The recent wave of Achilles injuries among star athletes has forged a unique camaraderie among them, with players rallying to support one another through their respective recoveries. As Murray documented his comeback on social media, Tatum was quick to express his happiness, commenting, “My brotha, overly happy for you.” Murray’s response, “My brother. We got through this s*** together. Waiting on you,” highlights the strong bond between the two players and symbolizes a collective journey toward healing.
As they navigate their recoveries, the spirit of optimism remains strong, fueled not just by personal achievements but also by the connections forged through shared experiences of adversity. The anticipation for Tatum’s return continues to grow, and many are hopeful that he, like Murray, will soon make a triumphant return to the court.