Imagine a basketball game where one player drops 44 points, including an astonishing 12 three-pointers, yet his team still loses. That’s exactly what happened when the Milwaukee Bucks outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 141-137 in overtime, despite Trey Murphy III’s historic performance. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Murphy’s heroics or the Bucks’ resilience that stole the show? Let’s dive in.
Ryan Rollins led the charge for Milwaukee with 27 points, but it was the team’s collective effort that sealed the deal. Trey Murphy III’s 44-point explosion, which tied him for the fifth-most three-pointers in a single NBA game, was nothing short of breathtaking. For context, the record holder is Klay Thompson, who hit 14 threes in 2018. Yet, the Bucks found a way to overcome this monumental performance.
The game was a three-point shootout, with both teams combining for 45 made threes out of 93 attempts. New Orleans hit 24 of their 46 tries, while Milwaukee connected on 21 of 47. The Bucks also shot a season-best 60.9% from the field, showcasing their offensive firepower.
Overtime belonged to Milwaukee, as they scored the first five points—a Rollins layup and a Myles Turner three-pointer—to take control. The Pelicans had a chance to take the lead with 6.5 seconds left, but Zion Williamson’s offensive foul derailed their momentum. Saddiq Bey’s 22 points and Williamson’s 20 weren’t enough to counter the Bucks’ late-game execution.
And this is the part most people miss: Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr., returning from a six-game absence due to an oblique strain, played a pivotal role with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. His two free throws with 5.2 seconds left iced the game. AJ Green added 20 points for the Bucks, who secured their second straight win after snapping a five-game losing streak.
The game wasn’t without its drama. Myles Turner’s potential game-winning three-pointer in regulation was nullified after a replay review showed his heel was out of bounds. Meanwhile, the Bucks continue to navigate the season without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been sidelined since January 23 with a calf strain. With trade rumors swirling around Antetokounmpo, his presence on the bench the night before the trade deadline added another layer of intrigue.
Here’s the bold question: Did the Bucks win this game, or did the Pelicans lose it? Trey Murphy III’s performance was legendary, but basketball is a team sport. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re at it, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more thrilling sports coverage!
