The New Orleans Pelicans overpowered the South East Melbourne Phoenix 127-92 in their preseason game at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday. Saddiq Bey led the way with 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four threes.
New Orleans jumped to a 35-21 first-quarter lead, forcing five turnovers from the hosts. The Pelicans extended the margin to 74-55 at halftime behind Jeremiah Fears’ 12 points in 24 minutes.
Phoenix shot just 34.0% from the field and 17.4% from three on 8-of-46 attempts. New Orleans countered with 56.8% overall and 19 fast-break points.
Yves Missi added 10 points and six rebounds for the visitors, anchoring the paint where they scored 64 points to Melbourne’s 48. The Pelicans grabbed 50 total boards, including 12 offensive ones for second chances.
Nathan Sobey topped the Phoenix with 16 points and five assists, but the team committed 10 turnovers leading to 14 points the other way. No lead changes occurred after an early tie at 5-5.
Jordan Hunter scored 17 points for Melbourne on 7-of-13 shooting, including a first-half dunk. New Orleans’ bench outscored the hosts 67-39, with Jordan Hawkins adding 14 points on 6-of-13 tries.
The Pelicans connected on 12 of 33 threes at 36.4%, while Phoenix managed eight from 46 shots. Zion Williamson contributed eight points and nine rebounds in 15 minutes before resting.
Malique Lewis tallied eight points and four assists for the Australian side, but fouled out late. New Orleans forced 10 turnovers total, converting them into 14 points.
Garrison Brooks notched four points and three rebounds off the bench for the Pelicans. Melbourne pulled down 42 rebounds but struggled with just five fast-break points.
