The New Orleans Pelicans played their regular-season matchup against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night in South Florida with a heavy heart as their city reels from a terror attack that left more than a dozen dead. Pelicans head coach Willie Green was among those from the team who spoke out about the attack that took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Green expressed being “devastated” by the incident. The news reached him through a New Year greeting text from his father. The Pelicans typically play their home games at the Smoothie King Center – located approximately one mile southwest of where the tragic event unfolded.
Describing the attack as a “senseless act of violence,” Green emphasized the uncertainty prevalent in the current times, stating, “We’ve discussed it a bit with our players. But we’re just living in times and in a world where you just don’t know where you’re safe. Schools, churches, people should be able to go out and have a good time and walk the streets. It’s devastating. And I can only imagine what those families are going through, what they have to deal with now for the rest of their lives.”
Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III shared his relief upon confirming his mother and chef’s safety, who were present downtown during the New Year celebrations. However, Murphy acknowledged the broader impact, remarking, “You feel a little sigh of relief. But there were a lot of people that didn’t hear that sigh of relief today.” He added, “It’s a true shame. People try to enjoy themselves and go into the new year with a different mindset and now there are a lot of families that have to deal with this tragedy.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, Murphy extended his thoughts and prayers to the affected families, highlighting the incomprehensibility of such violence. He stated, “Stuff like that shouldn’t happen. You shouldn’t have to worry about going to Bourbon Street and enjoying yourself, then ending up having to lose a loved one.”
Former NBA player Antonio Daniels, present for the Pelicans’ broadcast of the game, along with play-by-play commentator Joel Meyers, conveyed their condolences regarding the attack. Daniels lamented the desecration of Bourbon Street’s spirit, noting its usual significance as a place of joy and celebration. He expressed dismay over the intrusion of violence into such spaces, underscoring the pain felt for the city in the aftermath of the incident.
Amidst this backdrop, Miami emerged victorious in the game, prevailing over New Orleans with a final score of 119-108. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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