For the first time in history an NBA team locked horns with an NBL squad on Australian soil as the New Orleans Pelicans ventured into Melbourne.
With Aussie basketball fans craving NBA action in front of their eyes and not on a TV screen, the New Orleans Pelicans gave them a dose of what they were after.
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Led by superstar Zion Williamson, the Pelicans took on Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
In a gripping Friday night showdown, the Pelicans held off a fast finishing United to claim the 107-97 victory.
With the stands jam-packed, the stars put on a show with none shining brighter than Williamson who looks to be in the best shape of his career.
The 25-year-old has never played more than 70 games in an NBA season, but the sight of him soaring high above the rim and streaming down the hardwood had fans eager for the season ahead.
“Just physically, Zion looks about as good and as in-shape as I’ve seen him since Duke,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie tweeted.
A slimmed down Zion has put the NBA on notice. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
A slimmed down Zion has put the NBA on notice. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Even Williamson admits he hasn’t felt this good ahead of an NBA season for a long time after spending the summer in an intense conditioning program.
“I really felt a shift in my body,” he said to reporters in September.
“I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into a gym and I feel good.”
After a hamstring injury limited him to only 30 games last season, Williamson committed himself to the program and his team, noting: “Whatever my team needs, that’s what I’ll do.”
Zion has his body in the best shape of his NBA career. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Zion has his body in the best shape of his NBA career. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Pelicans star is jacked. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
The Pelicans star is jacked. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Williamson didn’t play at all in the second half against United, finishing with 15 points to his name from 15 minutes of playing time.
Against the Phoenix it was a similar story.
Playing only 15 minutes in the first half, the former number one draft pick amassed eight points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Phoenix weren’t able to stick close to their American rivals as the Pelicans wrapped up the two-game series Down Under with a 127-92 win.
But it wasn’t just on the court where the action was unfolding with fans from all over Australia descending on Melbourne in the hopes of getting up close to the stars.
NBA legend Ray Allen was on hand alongside AFL players Jack Ginnivan and Zak Butters along with former NBL star Jason Cadee at the NBA Store in Emporium Melbourne.
Fans got the chance to meet the two-time NBA champion while also getting the chance to score free gear thanks to the unveiling of SlamPay.
A 10-foot high payment sensor that has been installed inside the store and gave anybody keen a chance to soar to the height of an NBA ring and hit the sensor.
SlamPay was unveiled at the NBA store in Melbourne. Credit: Speak Communications.
SlamPay was unveiled at the NBA store in Melbourne. Credit: Speak Communications.Source: Supplied
NBA champ Ray Allen meeting fans. Credit: Speak Communications.
NBA champ Ray Allen meeting fans. Credit: Speak Communications.Source: Supplied
“SlamPay is what happens when sport, technology and culture collide,” said Christopher McKee, Executive Creative Director at 2045.
“We turned the worst part of the purchase - handing over your hard-earned dosh - into the best part. Surely paying for stuff should be more fun? It’s the kind of innovative retail activation we hope inspires other brands.”
Those not keen on attempting to try and soar to the heights of an NBA hoop, NBA Bounce was released ahead of the Down Under showcase.
From wacky mini games to easy use controls, family game night just went to new heights.
“Launching NBA Bounce today represents a major milestone for Outright Games,” said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games.
“With NBA Bounce, we’ve designed an experience where players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy that same spirit of fast-paced fun, whether playing solo or with family and friends. We’re excited to see families everywhere hit the court and make unforgettable memories together.”