New Orleans Pelicans Complete Historic Tour-Ending Sweep in Australia
The New Orleans Pelicans wrapped up their Australian pre-season tour with a commanding 127-92 victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, sealing a 2-0 sweep of the NBL rivals after routing Melbourne United 107-97 just two days earlier. The 2024-25 NBA exhibition series marked a historic moment as the first time an NBA team has played Down Under, and the Pelicans seized the moment with a well-rounded performance that highlighted depth, defensive intensity, and creative offense.
Williamson Anchors the Defensive Effort
NBA superstar Zion Williamson did not tax himself with a full night of action, logging 15 minutes in the first half before watching the rest from the bench as part of a planned load management approach. Still, Williamson made a noticeable impact on the defensive end, contributing eight points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. His energy and commitment on the perimeter and in the paint helped New Orleans disrupt South East Melbourne’s ball movement and force key turnovers, underscoring the star forward’s growth into a well-rounded two-way contributor as he prepares for a potentially breakout season.
Balanced Pels Pacing the Attack
With Williamson drawing limited minutes, the Pelicans leaned on a balanced scoring attack to build a sturdy lead. Saddiq Bey, Jordan Poole, and Jeremiah Fears joined the scoring chorus, finishing with 21, 15, and 12 points respectively. Poole and Bey provided the scoring lift in bursts, while Fears showcased his athleticism with a high-flying double-clutch dunk sparked by a defensive hustle sequence that helped seal the night for New Orleans. The visitors surged ahead early, taking a 20-point advantage in the second period as their shooting efficiency clashed with SE Melbourne’s less precise nights.
Late-Game Notes and Standouts
The victory carried some stumbles as well. Guard Jose Alvarado left the floor in the third quarter with a right knee issue after a hard contest from Phoenix’s Malachi Flynn? (note: match context clarifies the presence of a Phoenix import; actual name in official reports is not repeated here). He did not return, a reminder that even in pre-season, injuries can surface and affect rotation plans. The Suns’ South East Melbourne counterpart, Jordan Hunter, Nathan Sobey, and Akech Aliir made strong showings in relief, with Hunter finishing with 17 points and Sobey and Aliir contributing 16 apiece. On the Pels’ bench, Malisse Lewis, the NBL Next Star, showed growth in his first exposure to NBA-level competition, collecting eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and a few turnover episodes that will be valuable learning moments moving forward.
Statistical Snapshot and Series Context
New Orleans’ authoritative performance emphasized the game’s broader narrative: the NBA’s proven track record in early-season exhibitions against the NBL. Since the NBAxNBL series began in 2017, NBA teams have won 25 of 26 pre-season games against NBL clubs, a statistic that reflects the gap between the two leagues and the spectacle the series brings to fans around the world. The Pelicans’ 127-92 result also stretched their pre-season success, reinforcing their identity as a disciplined, defense-focused squad capable of capitalizing on both ends of the floor.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season inches closer, New Orleans will no doubt lean on Williamson’s two-way prowess, while evaluating depth behind him with players like Bey, Poole, and Fears stepping into larger roles. The team’s ability to manage minutes while preserving energy in a demanding schedule will be crucial, and the early in-season chemistry built during this Australia swing should serve them well when the real games begin. For fans and analysts, the tour offered a clear message: the Pelicans are intent on competing at a high level from opening night, and they’re building a foundation that blends star power with versatile role players.
Key Takeaway
New Orleans validated their status as a strong defensive team with Williamson anchoring the effort, while their depth and playmaking continued to impress. The 127-92 win over South East Melbourne capped a historic multi-market tour with a decisive message: the Pelicans are ready to challenge for meaningful regular-season success.
