Dejounte Murray made an emphatic return to the court Tuesday night, scoring 13 points in his first game back from a ruptured Achilles tendon in nearly 13 months. The New Orleans Pelicans guard needed less than 20 seconds to convert a slashing layup and later sealed the 113-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors with another driving basket in the final minute.

Murray's comeback was limited to 25 minutes as the Pelicans carefully managed his workload, but coach James Borrego ensured he was on the floor for crucial closing moments. "He looked like his old self. He didn't miss a beat," Borrego said of Murray's performance, which included three assists, two rebounds, and a steal despite five turnovers. Zion Williamson led all scorers with 26 points and praised Murray's leadership and communication.

Murray's daughter ran onto the court to hug him after the final buzzer, and his teammates celebrated enthusiastically in the locker room. "I'm hungry. I'm starving," Murray declared about his return, with the Pelicans having 23 games remaining in their season. The emotional victory marked not just a win for New Orleans but a significant milestone in Murray's recovery journey.