Overview

• The New Orleans Pelicans beat Melbourne United 107–97 at Rod Laver Arena in what was reported as the first NBA game played in Australia.
• Zion Williamson posted 15 points and five assists in roughly 16 first-half minutes before sitting the second half, drawing chants from fans and saying he felt great.
• United pushed late behind Milton Doyle’s 25 points, with a missed three that could have cut the margin to one inside the final minutes.
• Seventeen-year-old Dash Daniels impressed with 11 points and six rebounds, earning praise from Williamson and comparisons from coach Willie Green to brother Dyson.
• Pelicans forward Herb Jones missed the game with a left ankle issue, and his availability for Sunday’s matchup against South East Melbourne Phoenix remains uncertain.