Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray ignited the New Orleans Pelicans offense, securing a commanding win over the Toronto Raptors in Brandon Ingram's return.
It was a welcome back to the Smoothie King Center for Brandon Ingram. While he had a solid night, the Toronto Raptors didn't as a whole as the New Orleans Pelicans took a 122-111 victory on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans pick up their second win in a row, improving to 22-45 and guaranteeing a better finish than last season.
New Orleans has had some good wins since getting healthy, but this might be the best in a while. They had complete control of this game for a while, and the Raptors are going to be a playoff team this season.
This was the first time back in the city for Ingram, who was with the Pelicans for six years. He finished with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists with four steals. He was welcomed back with a warm reception from the fans and the franchise. There's no doubt that he got an earful from his former teammates after the game, though.
As for the players who are still in New Orleans, Trey Murphy finished with a game-high 28 points. He was 5-of-8 from three and added seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Dejounte Murray had another stellar game, the best since his return from injury. He finished with 27 points, five rounds and six assists. He hit a couple of big threes, including a nasty one late after sending Jamal Shead to the ground.
Murray has looked fantastic for someone just coming off a torn Achilles that kept him out for a little over a calendar year. It is certainly making the prospect of running it back with him and this core a little more intriguing for next year.
There's no doubt that the team has looked much better under James Borrego since going to this rotation. Letting Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen work off the bench might not give them the most minutes on the court per night, but it's better for a team trying to pick up some wins down the stretch.
The Pelicans will have a chance to prove that it's not just a fluke as they get tested by a road game against the Houston Rockets on Friday night.