New Orleans Dominates in Historic NBAxNBL Exhibition
The New Orleans Pelicans extended their pre-season romp against Australian rivals with a convincing 127-92 victory over South East Melbourne on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. The win completed a two-game sweep in the historic NBAxNBL series, a landmark in which an NBA team plays an Australian club as part of the league’s pre-season calendar. The Pelicans had previously defeated Melbourne United 107-97 two days earlier, setting a tone of authority on the tour.
Williamson Leads with Defense, Sets Tone Early
NBA superstar Zion Williamson, while limited to 15 first-half minutes, showcased why many expect a breakout season for him. Williamson’s impact was most pronounced on the defensive end, where he set the tone for New Orleans and didn’t allow the Pelicans to falter. He finished with eight points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, numbers that underscored his two-way value as he builds into peak condition for the regular season.
A Hit Parade from the Starters
Beyond Williamson, the Pelicans’ starting lineup delivered. Saddiq Bey led the visitors with 21 points, while Jordan Poole added 15 and Jeremiah Fears contributed 12. The early rhythm was establishing a rapid separation, with New Orleans surging to a 20-point lead in the second period as offensive efficiency and defensive pressure combined to suppress the NBL’s best efforts.
Defense and Depth Define the Victory
The overwhelming storyline was the Pelicans’ defense, which stifled South East Melbourne and forced a steady stream of turnovers. New Orleans exploited its depth, distributing minutes widely and ensuring fresher legs in the second half as the game stayed comfortably in their control. The team’s defensive hustle translated to fast-break opportunities and a series of highlight-worthy moments, including a half-court alley-oop that signaled their chemistry and willingness to push the tempo in this exhibition setting.
Soured Night for an Injury, Bright Signs Elsewhere
Not all news was ideal—the Pelicans suffered a setback when guard Jose Alvarado rolled his right knee under pressure from Phoenix import Hunter Maldonado. He limped off in the third quarter and did not return, casting a temporary cloud over the win. For South East Melbourne, the scoring was led by Jordan Hunter with 17 points, and Akech Aliir along with Nathan Sobey adding 16 apiece. The NBL side fought valiantly, but the difference in talent and pace was clear throughout the night.
Early Chemistry and NBAxNBL Trends
The game highlighted the historical significance of this cross-ocean series. NBA teams have won 25 of 26 pre-season games against NBL clubs since the NBAxNBL format began in 2017, a trend that the Pelicans helped continue on Australian soil. The exhibition and the theme of player development were evident as Next Star Malique Lewis for Phoenix chipped in eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and two turnovers, showing his adaptability against seasoned NBA competition.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season looming, New Orleans will take the positives from a comprehensive tour-defining performance. Williamson’s initiative on defense, combined with a balanced scoring attack from Bey, Poole, and Fears, offers a blueprint for sustained success as the Pelicans aim to translate pre-season momentum into meaningful results in the standings. While injuries remain a concern, the overall takeaway is one of confidence and potential for a season that many expect to be a breakout year for the Pelicans.
