New Orleans Pelicans Down Under: Zion Williamson’s Debut Steals the Show In Melbourne

Let’s be honest, for the past few years, the narrative around Zion Williamson has been less about basketball and more about… well, everything else. The injuries, the weight, the questions about his commitment. It’s been a soap opera with a basketball subplot. But if the Pelicans’ preseason opener in Melbourne, Australia, is any indication, it’s time to change the channel. The Pels are back, and Zion looks ready to rewrite the entire script.

The New Orleans Pelicans made history by becoming the first NBA team to grace the hardwood in Australia, and they didn’t disappoint the packed house, taking down Melbourne United 107-97. But the final score was just a footnote. The real headline? A slimmed-down, explosive, and downright scary-looking Williamson.

Zion’s Australian Takeover

From the opening tip, this was a different Williamson. He wasn’t just playing; he was conducting. In just 16 minutes of action, he dropped 15 points, dished out 5 assists, and nabbed 2 steals. It felt less like a preseason game and more like a highlight reel being produced in real-time. He was everywhere. One moment, he was pulling teammates aside, pointing and directing like a seasoned veteran; the next, he was blowing past defenders for an easy bucket.

The Aussie crowd, who chanted “We want Zion!” throughout the night, got exactly what they came for. They saw the Duke version of him, the one that had the entire basketball world buzzing. The one who looked like he could single-handedly lead a team. As Williamson himself said about the chants, “It just shows you the reach of the game of basketball.” It also shows that the world is ready for the Williamson comeback tour.

Pelicans’ Supporting Cast Shines

This wasn’t just the Williamson show, though. The rest of the Pelicans’ squad showed up to play. Trey Murphy III led all Pelicans scorers with a cool 18 points, looking every bit the sharpshooter New Orleans needs him to be. And how about the new guy? Jordan Poole, whose arrival raised a few eyebrows, looked right at home in his debut, putting up a solid 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The team looked cohesive, controlling the paint and moving the ball with purpose. It is only one preseason game against an NBL team, sure, but the energy was different. It was exciting. It felt like a team with a point to prove.

What Does This Mean For the Pelicans?

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and start planning a championship parade down Bourbon Street. It is a long season, and the Western Conference is a gauntlet. The biggest question mark, as always, is health. Can Williamson stay on the court? If he can, and if he continues to play with the joy and ferocity he showed in Melbourne, this Pelicans team is a legitimate problem.

The combination of a healthy Williamson, a scoring machine in Murphy, and a wildcard like Poole makes New Orleans a team nobody wants to see on their schedule. The path to the playoffs is never easy, but for the first time in a while, it feels like the Pelicans are holding a map and Williamson is the one leading the way. The fun is just getting started in the “Big Easy.”