The South East Melbourne Phoenix opened their NBL campaign with an emphatic 108-86 home victory over the Cairns Taipans on August 19, 2025. A dominant second-half performance powered the Phoenix to a 22-point win, setting a positive tone for their season at John Cain Arena. After a competitive first half, the Phoenix exploded offensively after the break, using a combination of transition baskets and three-point shooting to break the game open. Key off-season signings and returning stars made immediate impacts, sharing the scoring load efficiently. For the visiting Cairns Taipans, the heavy loss was a disappointing start, as they struggled to contain the Phoenix's multifaceted attack. The result immediately placed South East Melbourne near the top of the early NBL ladder.