Game 1 of the first-ever NBAxNBL: Melbourne Series attracted a sell-out attendance nearing 15,000 fans, including Kevin Garnett courtside, with the New Orleans Pelicans repelling resilient Melbourne United for a 107-97 victory in Rod Laver Arena on Friday.

After pushing the lead to 16 points and seeming comfortable, the NBA side narrowly held on in Melbourne. Dominating for large stretches, especially in the first half, Zion Williamson finished with 15 points to go with five assists. Trey Murphy III logged a team-high 18 points. Croatian Karlo Matkovic added six points, four rebounds, one block, one steal, and one assist. On the NBL side, Milton Doyle tallied a game-high 25 points.

Opening the NBA Preseason 2025 schedule in Etihad Arena, the New York Knicks topped the Philadelphia

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