From Crib to Court: Trey Murphy's Meteoric Rise to Pelicans' 3-Point King!
It's a story that starts long before the bright lights and roaring crowds. Imagine a baby's crib, not just a place for sleep, but a miniature basketball court! This was the scene for Trey Murphy's early years, a subtle hint of the sharpshooter he was destined to become.
Let's rewind a bit: Trey Murphy III, or simply Trey, was seemingly preordained for a life of launching three-pointers. His journey to the top of the New Orleans Pelicans' all-time 3-point list is a testament to dedication, skill, and perhaps, a little bit of destiny.
His path to the record books wasn't just about talent; it was about the environment he grew up in. While his mother, Albeda Murphy, might have preferred a more conventional start, his father, Kenny, knew better. A basketball hoop on the crib? That's a sign of things to come!
The Record-Breaking Moment:
At just 25 years old and in his fifth season with the Pelicans, Murphy shattered the franchise record. He surpassed his former teammate, CJ McCollum, who had previously held the title since January 2025, after surpassing Jrue Holiday.
Murphy's confidence was unwavering. After that game last January, he vowed that McCollum's name wouldn't stay in the record books for long. "It won’t be long," Murphy said that night. "That’s all I have to say. It’ll be taken down. It’s like having a bar set for me."
True to his word, Murphy tied McCollum's record of 692 3-pointers with 3:58 left in the second quarter of last week’s game in Miami. He then broke the record with 39.8 seconds left in the half. “It’s pretty cool,” Murphy said. “You always want to leave your mark somewhere on and off the court and I feel like this is something to show on the court.”
It took Murphy only 285 games to achieve this feat, placing him among the greats of the game.
A Record-Setting Pace:
Interestingly, the Pelicans' franchise record (709 and counting for Murphy) is the lowest among all NBA franchises, a reflection of the team's relatively young history (just its 24th season). Even the Los Angeles Clippers' record (820 by Paul George) is the second-lowest. This means Murphy has the potential to set a record that will stand for a very long time.
Murphy's Hot Streak:
Murphy is currently in a blazing hot stretch, making at least six 3-pointers in his last three games. This includes seven in Friday’s win against the Washington Wizards, six in Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and seven on his record-setting day against the Heat. He's averaging 34.6 points over the last three games, including a career-best 42 points in the loss to the Lakers.
The Bigger Picture:
Despite Murphy's individual success, the Pelicans' recent struggles (9-31 record, losing nine of their last 10 games) have made it difficult to fully appreciate his achievements. Murphy leads the team in minutes played and ranks second in points (21.7), rebounds (6.2), assists (3.5), and steals (1.7).
The Making of a Shooter:
Interim head coach Borrego praised Murphy, saying, "He deserves a ton of credit... He’s a tremendous worker. He’s going to have a wonderful career here. He’s already put up some big numbers. I’m proud of him. He’s fantastic and keeps growing every year and adding to his game. He's tremendous and deserves all the credit for that.”
His parents played a crucial role too. His mother recalls Trey running with his hands in his pockets during youth games. The solution? His father removed all shorts with pockets! And when Trey was around 5, his father started coaching him. Initially, he struggled, but with time, he improved dramatically.
By the fourth grade, he was already draining 3s, and by the eighth grade, he was one of the best shooters in the area. Trey's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the right environment.
A Promising Beginning:
Murphy's first NBA 3-pointer came in his rookie season's opener. After a scoreless first half, he finally found his rhythm, sinking his first shot with 1:56 left in the game, assisted by Kira Lewis. His second followed less than a minute later, from 28 feet, assisted by Naji Marshall. This was just the beginning of his remarkable journey.
What do you think? Do you believe Murphy's record will stand for a long time? What are your thoughts on his recent performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!
