On October 3, 2025, history was rewritten on the basketball court as the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the six-time NBL champions, Melbourne United, in a thrilling second preseason game. This matchup was not just a game; it was a landmark event, marking the first time an NBA team had ever visited Australia. It also served as the highly anticipated debut for new acquisitions Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney in Pelicans colors. However, the undisputed center of attention was a familiar name: Zion Williamson, who shocked the world with a completely transformed physique—slimmer than ever, yet retaining all the terrifying power and explosiveness that defines his game.

From the opening moments at Rod Laver Arena, the atmosphere was electric. The sight of Zion Williamson stepping onto the court made many in attendance do a double-take. His noticeably leaner frame was more than just a topic of conversation; it was a testament to a phenomenal effort to redefine his physical condition. While his body had changed, his game remained as ferocious and decisive as ever. An early, powerful dunk off an alley-oop and a series of authoritative plays immediately signaled the confident return of the superstar.

The game’s first highlight belonged to Trey Murphy III, who kicked things off for the Pelicans with the first five points. But just moments later, Zion ignited the stadium with a thunderous dunk and an “and-one” play, punctuated by a confident muscle flex—a bold declaration of his undiminished strength. Despite being tightly guarded, Zion relentlessly sought scoring opportunities, consistently overpowering defenders and creating spectacular plays.

Meanwhile, Jordan Poole, in his first game since his trade from the Golden State Warriors, made an immediate impact. He quickly made his mark with an “and-one” floater, followed by a slick assist to Trey Murphy III for a stunning windmill dunk in transition. Murphy continued to be the offensive spearhead for the Pelicans, finishing the first quarter with an impressive 11 points, showcasing his potential as a future lottery pick. Dash Daniels, brother of the Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels, also contributed with a field goal in under six minutes of play.

Toward the end of the first quarter, the game tightened as Melbourne United began to build momentum. However, Jose Alvarado stepped up with back-to-back three-pointers to keep the Pelicans comfortably ahead. Zion Williamson added to the highlight reel with a spectacular alley-oop dunk, closing the first quarter with the Pelicans leading 35-24.

The Pelicans continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, at one point pushing it to 16 points. Both Jordan Poole and Zion Williamson reached double-digit scoring. Zion demonstrated his sheer dominance in the paint, relentlessly attacking Melbourne United’s defense. He racked up 15 points in the first half alone on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the field. His performance fueled speculation that if he could maintain his health for the entire season, the Pelicans would be a legitimate playoff contender. At the end of the half, New Orleans held a solid 62-51 lead, establishing an 11-point cushion.

Coming into the third quarter, the Pelicans’ coaching staff made the strategic decision to rest Zion Williamson, a common practice in preseason games to mitigate injury risk for star players. Despite the absence of their brightest star, Melbourne United refused to back down. They fought tenaciously, cutting the deficit to just six points within the first four minutes of the quarter. Kevon Looney, another new face for the Pelicans, finally got his first points off an assist from Jordan Poole. However, Melbourne United responded with a barrage of three-pointers, hitting four consecutive shots from beyond the arc to shake the arena. Fortunately, the Pelicans weathered the storm, answering with a nine-point run of their own. Jordan Hawkins also made significant contributions, helping the Pelicans end the third quarter with an 85-79 lead, holding onto a six-point advantage heading into the final frame.

In the fourth and final quarter, the Pelicans continued to rest their key players. Jordan Poole concluded his debut with a solid all-around performance, tallying 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kevon Looney finished with 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Zion’s impactful first half left him with 15 points, while Trey Murphy III led the team’s scoring with 18 points. The presence of NBA legends Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the stands added a touch of prestige to this historic event.

This game was far more than a simple preseason exhibition. It was a statement. For Zion Williamson, it was a declaration that he is back, not just in form, but in the best shape of his life. His leaner physique, combined with his raw power, presents a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league. For the Pelicans, it was a glimpse into a promising future, with new additions like Poole and Looney seamlessly integrating into the system and young talents like Murphy III showing star potential. And for the NBA, it was a successful historic step into a new market, leaving Australian fans with an unforgettable night of basketball. As the final buzzer sounded, the score was just a footnote to a narrative filled with comeback stories, promising debuts, and a shocking physical transformation that will be talked about for the entire season to come.