Trey Murphy III (10 3-pointers), Pelicans pound Raptors

Field Level Media|published: Tue 5th March, 22:04 2024

Mar 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard D.J. Carton (3) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Hitting a career-high 10 3-pointers, Trey Murphy III scored 34 points off the bench and the visiting New Orleans Pelicans crushed the Toronto Raptors 139-98 Tuesday night.

Herbert Jones added 17 points for the Pelicans, who have won two straight and are 3-3 in their past six games. Zion Williamson had 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds and Brandon Ingram scored 12 points. Former Raptor Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ McCollum Naji Marshall each scored 11.

Immanuel Quickley scored 17 points for the Raptors, who completed a 1-3 homestand. Gary Trent Jr. added 16 points, while RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynuk each scored 15 points. Javon Freeman-Liberty scored 13.

The Pelicans took a 30-point lead into the fourth quarter. Murphy - who was 11-for-17 shooting from the field, including 10-of-14 on 3-point attempts — hit two 3-pointers early and soon the reserves took over.

New Orleans led 42-28 after the first quarter with Jones scoring 14 points.

Jose Alvarado's 3-pointer increased the lead to 19 with 9:30 to play in the second quarter. When Williamson made two free throws with 7:51 left in the first half, the Pelicans led 56-30. Barrett's layup trimmed the margin to 21 with 1:49 to play. Williamson responded with a dunk that followed his own steal to give the Pelicans a 68-45 halftime lead.

The Pelicans shot 55.1 percent (27 for 49) from the field in the first half, with Murphy's 16 points leading the way.

Trent had 13 points as the Raptors shot 37.8 percent (17 for 45) from the field in the first half.

Jones opened the third quarter with his fifth 3-pointer of the game, matching his career high. Larry Nance Jr.'s putback layup increased the lead to 30 points with 10:10 to go in the third. Toronto answered with five straight points, and Trent's 3-pointer trimmed the deficit to 19 with 4:55 left.

After the lead was reduced to 18, New Orleans scored 10 straight points. New Orleans led 106-76 after the third.

Toronto was without Scottie Barnes (left hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Bruce Brown (knee).

—Field Level Media

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