Dejounte Murray Criticizes Team After Crushing Loss to Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans star Dejounte Murray didn’t hold back following his team’s humiliating 119-93 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Despite Murray’s return to the lineup, the game exposed glaring weaknesses, prompting the guard to publicly call out the team’s lack of effort.

Murray’s Frustration Boils Over

Speaking after the game, Murray pointed to the team’s failure to compete as the primary issue:

“We talk about offense, but it’s competing, from me on down. Everybody… We gotta compete. We got embarrassed, they was able to do whatever they want. Us players, we didn’t execute nothing. It came down to competing. If you don’t feel embarrassed as an individual, then that’s a problem.”

Murray emphasized that the blame does not lie with the coaching staff but with the players on the court. He urged his teammates to adopt a more focused and determined mindset moving forward.

“You’re gonna lose games, but it’s how you lose games. We didn’t compete. We didn’t execute. From offense to defense. When the game plans were horrible, that’s on us, not on anybody else besides the guys who lace them up and go out and play.”

Injuries Continue to Plague the Pelicans

The Pelicans are still reeling from the absence of key players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones, which has severely impacted their performance on both ends of the court. Although the return of Murray and CJ McCollum was a positive step, it’s evident the team lacks the firepower and cohesion needed to contend.

A Turning Point for the Pelicans?

With the loss to Toronto, the Pelicans must address their shortcomings quickly to avoid a deeper slump. Murray’s comments highlight a pressing need for accountability and a renewed competitive spirit among the roster.