MELBOURNE, Australia. (WVUE) – While a re-tooled Pelicans roster features new faces, one of the biggest questions going into the offseason was about the potential starting lineup pairing of a healthy Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson.
Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans, right, attempts a shot over Jesse Edwards of Melbourne United during their NBAxNBL Series exhibition basketball game in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP) /AAP Image via AP)(JAMES ROSS | AP)
The chemistry seemed to show no issues, as the duo were the offensive standouts in the Pelicans’ 107-97 preseason win over Melbourne United, marking the first time an NBA team had ever played on Australian soil.
True to typical preseason fashion, Murphy and Williamson did the bulk of the work in limited minutes, as both played combined for 33 points in under 20 minutes of play.
Murphy led the Pelicans in scoring with 18 points on 53 percent shooting from the floor in 19 minutes of play. He also chipped in 3 steals on the defensive end.
Williamson was the team’s most efficient player all around by ending his night with 15 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in 16 minutes of play.
A visibly smiling Williamson said that he felt embraced by the Australian fans and complimented the quality of the country’s National Basketball League.
“It just shows you the reach of the game of basketball,” Williamson said postgame. ”
United’s effort was led by American-born guard Milton Doyle, who finished the night with 25 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 38 minutes of play. “The NBL…you can see how big the league is here.”
The Pelicans were in control of most of the contest over United, who are currently 3-0 as the No. 1 team in the NBL. The closest the margin ever got between the two teams is when United cut into their 99-95 deficit late in the fourth quarter against the Pels’ reserves.
As the Pelicans will look for cohesion this preseason, guards Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins led all bench units with 11 points apiece. Former G-League leading scorer Bryce McGowens pitched in 10 points for New Orleans.
First-round draft pick Jeremiah Fears played the most minutes of all Pels players with 22 minutes. He finished with 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. He showed flashes with a couple of crafty assists and an open runner to the basket after a team steal. However, Fears had a team-high 5 turnovers.
Derik Queen, the Pelicans’ other first-round draft pick, did not play as he is still recovering from left wrist surgery, an injury from Summer League.
Herb Jones also did not play due to a left ankle sprain sustained at practice. Newly acquired forward Saddiq Bey started in his place. In other lineup changes, free-agent signing Kevon Looney started at center.
Jordan Poole, acquired in the offseason’s blockbuster trade with Washington for C.J. McCollum, started at guard and scored 11 points in 20 minutes.
The historic tip-off took place at 4:30 a.m. Central Standard Time in the United States on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. Those who want to catch the replay of the Pelicans’ win over United can tune into GCSEN Friday (Oct. 3) at noon.
On Saturday (Oct. 4) at 10 p.m., the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network will air the live broadcast of the Pelicans’ second game Down Under against South Melbourne Phoenix.
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