Melbourne United, NBL push New Orleans Pelicans to the finish as Zion gives Aussies an NBA moment

Fans chanted “We want Zion” in the final minutes which drew a smile and laugh as the Pelicans reserves played out the game.

“I felt great. Just when I got my second wind, I was done for the night,” Williamson said. “I’ve been saying it a lot. I feel embraced, and I love it. I love it.”

Australians have lobbied the NBA for more than 15 years to bring a game Down Under from Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut to NBL owner Larry Kestelman, who successfully convinced the Pelicans to make history – and they will make some more of it when they finish their visit against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RLA on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne Tigers duo Andrew Gaze Lanard Copeland introduced the alley-oop to fans at this same stadium in the 1990s and Gaze was commentating courtside on this night.

Melbourne Tigers duo Andrew Gaze – who was commentating courtside on this night – and Lanard Copeland introduced the alley-oop to fans at this same stadium in the 1990s.

But not only did those few fans get to see one of the NBA’s best players, they got to see potential all-star in Trey Murphy III (18 points in 18 minutes) and a spirited display from United who were playing without captain Chris Goulding and only had point guard Shea Ili for the first half before he was managed in the second half.

They also got a look at the future as United’s Bendigo-raised Dash Daniels, 17, took a huge leap towards next year’s NBA Draft scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds in 27 minutes. More importantly, his defensive display caught the eye of the Pels, the same club his brother Dyson began his NBA career with.

“I told him I better see you in the NBA real soon,” Williamson said.

Daniels enjoyed the love shown to him by Williamson before and after the game and he will take tonight’s experience on board as his NBL season continues but will try not to get too carried away.

“That’s the ultimate goal: to try and get to the NBA in the next couple of years,” Daniels said.

“To have the opportunity to play against the Pelicans and them coming to Australia has been awesome, not only for me but for the whole of Australia as well.

“It’s a great experience to see what they are like and showcase my talents as well.”

The Pelicans were without star forward Herb Jones who hurt his left ankle at training on Thursday, Pelicans coach Willie Green wasn’t sure if Jones could play on Sunday.

But he was sure about how much his team enjoyed the experience.

“It was electric, the fans were in tune. They were engaged. It was really a great platform to come here and be able to play against high-level competition,” Green said.

“It’s fun getting out there playing in front of these fans.”

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