We knew that NBA teams are not invincible. But from there to the Phoenix Suns being dominated by an Australian team, the Adelaide 36ers in this case… And yet, that’s what happened last night in a pre-season game (134-124).
The Suns is the team that had the best record last season in the NBA at 64 wins for 18 losses. The Australian team came to dictate its law in Arizona thanks to an insolent three-point address: 24/43 or 55.8% success. Craig Randall scored 35 points and Robert Franks 32. Randall, who played briefly at the University of Memphis and then Tennessee-Martin before a G-League stoppage, converted 9 of 17 baskets from outside the arc . Franks added 6 out of 10.
Cameron Payne led the Suns with 23 points, while Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton added 22 each and Devin Booker 13.
“Everyone wants to make history and I had to remind my players that if we had this opportunity, we had to take advantage of it,” 36ers coach CJ Bruton said. “I’m excited for my boys and the NBL and the 36ers and I’m excited for my family to be here and happy and to see my players happy. It’s not a championship but it’s a good first step for the start of our season”.
