Match Recap: NBAxNBL v New Orleans Pelicans

Melbourne United have fallen in a highly competitive matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first ever NBLxNBA on Australian soil.

After a New Orleans bucket to start the game, Milton Doyle opened United’s account with a triple from the wing, putting Melbourne up briefly.

A huge dunk from Jesse Edwards followed before Fabijan Krslovic cashed his look from deep.

Dash Daniels made his impact felt when he checked into the game, skying high for an offensive rebound and feeding Doyle for a layup, which he quickly followed up with a make at the hoop of his own.

United then delivered some razzle-dazzle, as Shea Ili fed Kyle Bowen with a beautiful behind the back pass leading to a powerful jam.

Despite this, as well as a pair of late threes from Tanner Krebs and Finn Delany, turnovers hurt Melbourne, allowing the Pelicans to get out on the break and open up a 24-35 advantage to close the period.

Looking to cut into the deficit, United’s stars stepped up, with Doyle, Ili, Delany and Tyson Walker all contributing to the comeback effort.

New Orleans were able to answer, going on a 9-0 to push their lead out to as many as 16 points.

Long-range makes from Tom Wilson and Doyle, as well as a thunderous putback jam recaptured some of the momentum in the closing minutes of the period.

Ultimately, Melbourne had to settle for keeping the margin at 11 points heading into the major break, with the Pelicans leading 51-62.

Edwards and Daniels got United started coming out of half time, getting inside for a pair of makes before Walker stepped up his performance at the defensive end, getting his hands in for two steals in quick succession.

The import guard followed this up with a triple at the other end, which was emulated by Doyle and Tom Wilson, keeping the margin close.

Two late scores from Edwards, one of which came on the end of a perfect alley-oop lob, added to this momentum and cut the Pelicans lead to just 79-85 with 12 minutes remaining.

While Melbourne may have started the final period slowly, the game was very much up for grabs following some strong play down the stretch.

Daniels, Doyle and Krebs knocked down big shots in big moments, setting the score at 95-99 with less than five minutes remaining.

While United did have chances to draw closer to the Pelicans, the NBA side proved too good down the stretch, closing strong and handing Melbourne a 97-107 loss.

Melbourne United will next hit the court on Wednesday 8 October against the Sydney Kings.