Pelicans Upset Mavericks 119-116 as Murray Drops 30 in Injury-Plagued Showdown

The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a stunning upset on January 15, 2025, beating the Dallas Mavericks 119-116 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. With their roster thinned by injuries, Dallas looked like the clear favorite — but Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans’ fiery point guard, had other ideas. He dropped 30 points on 10-of-22 shooting, including clutch free throws down the stretch, to lead New Orleans to a win that defied logic, stats, and expectations. The game wasn’t pretty — it was gritty, messy, and full of desperation. But for a team stuck in the NBA’s basement, this was a lifeline.

A Game of Grit Over Glory

The Mavericks came in 22-19, fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Pelicans? 10-32, dead last in the Southwest Division. No one expected this to be close. But Dallas was missing key rotation players — sources confirmed injuries had depleted their bench, though exact names weren’t released. Without their usual depth, they leaned heavily on Daniel Gafford, who went 12-of-13 from the field for 27 points. He was a beast inside. But when the game slowed in the fourth quarter, it was Murray who took over. He drove through traffic, pulled up from mid-range, and calmly sank six of eight free throws in the final three minutes. The crowd at the Smoothie King Center, a sea of black and gold, roared like they’d just won the championship.

The scoring was uneven. Dallas led 27-33 after the first, then exploded for 34 in the second to take a 61-63 halftime lead. But the third quarter was a slog — both teams struggled, combining for just 54 points. The Mavericks looked tired. The Pelicans didn’t. New Orleans outscored Dallas 32-25 in the final frame, turning defense into offense, forcing turnovers, and hitting big shots when it mattered most.

Who’s Really in Control?

On paper, this game made no sense. The Mavericks had won the first meeting of the season on November 19, 2024, by a jaw-dropping 132-91. That wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. But basketball, as we’ve seen time and again, doesn’t care about paper. It cares about health, heart, and execution. And on January 15, the Pelicans had more of the last two.

“They played like a team that had nothing to lose,” said ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy after the game. “The Mavericks looked like a team that had too much to lose — too many expectations, too many injuries, too much pressure.”

For New Orleans, this was more than a win. It was proof they could compete. CJ McCollum, who added 21 points, looked like his old self. Trey Murphy III hit three threes. Even Yves Missi, the rookie center, blocked two shots and grabbed eight rebounds in 22 minutes. This wasn’t about stars. It was about role players stepping up when the spotlight hit.

The Road Ahead

This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Pelicans and gave them their first home victory since December 18. It also sets up a fascinating rematch just two weeks later — January 29, 2025 — at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Analysts are already projecting a high-scoring thriller, with some forecasting Dallas to win 137-136. But if the Mavericks are still missing key players? That projection looks shaky.

Meanwhile, Dallas remains in the playoff hunt, but their margin for error is shrinking. They’re now 10-11 on the road, and their bench depth is a growing concern. Without a healthy Klay Thompson or consistent contributions from their reserves, they’ll struggle to hold off teams like Memphis and Denver in the West.

Why This Matters

For the Pelicans, this win could be the spark they’ve needed. With Zion Williamson still sidelined and Brandon Ingram out for the season, the team has been adrift. But Murray — now in his third season with New Orleans — is showing he can carry a team. He’s averaging 24.8 points per game since January 1. If he keeps this up, and the young core continues to grow, the Pelicans might not be as far from contention as everyone thinks.

For the Mavericks, it’s a warning sign. They’ve been playing with fire all season — relying on stars, hoping injuries don’t catch up. But the NBA doesn’t reward hope. It rewards depth. And right now, Dallas is dangerously thin.