Melbourne, Australia witnessed a basketball spectacle recently, as the New Orleans Pelicans delivered a comprehensive sweep against their NBL counterparts. While pre-season exhibitions often serve as a warm-up, these two games transcended mere scrimmages, becoming a significant litmus test for the NBA`s burgeoning global ambitions, particularly in the vibrant Australian sports landscape.
Dominance Down Under: The Pelicans` Performance
The Rod Laver Arena, usually accustomed to tennis grand slams, transformed into a hardwood coliseum, first hosting the Pelicans against Melbourne United, followed by a clash with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. The Pelicans emerged victorious in both encounters, securing a 107-97 win against United and a commanding 127-92 triumph over the Phoenix.
Star forward Zion Williamson, whose mere presence ignites courts worldwide, treated Australian fans to glimpses of his unique talent. Despite limited minutes, a calculated move to manage his readiness for the impending NBA season, Williamson`s impact was undeniable. His stat line against the Phoenix — eight points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in just 15 minutes — underscored his efficiency and dominance. It`s a testament to his caliber that even a controlled outing felt like a main event.
Beyond Williamson, the Pelicans showcased a well-rounded roster. Saddiq Bey led the scoring charge with 21 points against the Phoenix, ably supported by Jeremiah Fears (12 points) and NBA champion Jordan Poole (15 points). Their collective effort left little doubt about the NBA team`s superior firepower, a standard expectation when professional leagues from different tiers meet. Yet, the energy and competitive spirit from both sides elevated the contests beyond predictable outcomes.
The Global Game: Setting the Stage for Regular Season Play
The true significance of the Pelicans` tour lies not just in their victories, but in the echoes of a larger conversation. For over 15 years, figures like Australian basketball legends Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut, alongside NBL owner Larry Kestelman, have championed the idea of NBA games on Australian soil. Now, with two successful exhibition games under their belt, the notion of an NBA regular-season fixture in Australia feels closer than ever.
Pelicans coach Willie Green openly mused about the possibility, stating,
“It`s a possibility, for sure. The game is so global that you get teams that are playing regular-season games in other countries. After this experience I think we`ll see more teams (coming to Australia).”
This sentiment was echoed by Jordan Poole, who praised the “good basketball” and fan interactions, advocating for such tours to become “more routine.”
The precedent isn`t new; Major League Baseball opened its regular season in Sydney in 2014, and the NFL is set to host a competitive game in Melbourne next year. It appears the NBA, with its increasing global footprint evidenced by games in Mexico City, London, and Berlin, is keenly observing its sister leagues. The warm reception and sell-out crowds in Melbourne certainly provide compelling data for future considerations. One might even suggest that delaying a regular-season game in Australia now would be akin to ignoring an open invitation to a very profitable party.
NBL`s Moment: Talent on Display
While the scoreboards favored the NBA, the `NBAxNBL` series offered an invaluable platform for local talent. NBL players had the rare opportunity to measure themselves against the world`s best, showcasing their skills and potentially boosting their international prospects.
Against the Phoenix, Jordan Hunter (17 points), Nathan Sobey, and Akech Aliir (both 16 points) led their team`s scoring efforts, demonstrating their offensive prowess. NBL Next Star Malique Lewis, a Trinidadian forward, had a mixed but ultimately beneficial outing, tallying eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and two turnovers. Phoenix coach Josh King aptly summarized the experience:
“There`s no better opportunity than to actually play against an NBA team to see where you stack up. He had a lot of good scenes out there, like a lot of our guys, and he`ll continue to get better.”
Furthermore, the series provided a boost for emerging talents like Dash Daniels, the 17-year-old brother of Boomers and NBA star Dyson Daniels, who impressed during United`s game. These encounters are crucial development opportunities, offering a taste of NBA-level competition that cannot be replicated in practice.
Historically, the NBA has dominated these exhibition matchups, holding a formidable 25-1 record against NBL clubs since the series began in 2017. The lone NBL triumph remains the Adelaide 36ers` stunning upset of the Phoenix Suns in 2022, a victory that still resonates as a testament to the NBL`s potential to surprise.
A Minor Setback: Alvarado`s Injury
Amidst the excitement and positive takeaways, a minor concern arose with Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado sustaining a right knee injury during pressure from Phoenix import Hunter Maldonado. Injuries are an unfortunate, albeit inherent, risk in competitive sports, and the Pelicans will undoubtedly be monitoring Alvarado`s recovery closely as the regular season approaches.
Looking Ahead: Australia`s Place in the NBA Universe
The New Orleans Pelicans` journey to Australia was more than just a pre-season road trip; it was a strong statement about the NBA`s commitment to global expansion and Australia`s pivotal role in that vision. The enthusiastic crowds, the competitive games, and the vocal support from both players and coaches paint a clear picture: Australia is ready for more NBA basketball. The question is no longer “if,” but “when” an NBA regular-season game will grace Australian shores, solidifying its place in the league`s ever-expanding international calendar. The Pelican`s sweep might just be the opening act to a much grander show.
