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36ers make NBL history with shock win against Phoenix Suns

The Adelaide 36ers have broken the club’s three-point shooting record, stunning the Phoenix Suns to become the first NBL side to beat an NBA team.

Oct 04, 2022, updated Oct 04, 2022
Adelaide 36ers bench players celebrate a lead on the Phoenix Suns during the first half of their upset win against Phoenix. Photo: AP/Darryl Webb.

Adelaide 36ers bench players celebrate a lead on the Phoenix Suns during the first half of their upset win against Phoenix. Photo: AP/Darryl Webb.

The 36ers shot 55 per cent from long range in a shock 134-124 win over the Suns in Phoenix on Monday.

The Suns boasted the best NBA record in the last regular season and are again expected to contend for the title.

The Sixers made a club record 24 three-pointers, many from well beyond the arc to create NBL history.

The incredible shooting performance helped Adelaide to the first win for a non-NBA team in a preseason game in the United States since Turkish club Fenerbahce beat Brooklyn in 2015.

It was the first visit to the US for an NBL team since the 2019 pre-season, which was the third-straight year Australian teams made the trip for pre-season games.

And while other NBL teams had threatened upsets, none had closed the deal until the 36ers held their nerve – and kept making shots – at Footprint Centre.

Imports Robert Franks (32 points) and Craig Randall (35) had 15 triples between them, their teammates smirking when they continued to land efforts from well beyond the NBA’s longer three-point line.

The Suns rolled out a full-strength starting five, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges (22 points, seven rebounds), Cam Johnson and Deandre Ayton (22 points) all playing 22 minutes against a team that finished mid-table with a 10-18 record last NBL season.

But behind forward Daniel Johnson (15 points) and guard Mitch McCarron (16 assists, nine rebounds, four points) the 36ers showed tremendous poise and some flourish to stay close.

And when the Suns’ second unit, featuring NBL graduate Jock Landale (12 points, six rebounds) and former NBL import Torrey Craig (10 points, six rebounds), entered the match the 36ers exploded.

CJ Bruton’s team surged to a 14-point lead and were never headed despite the returns of the Suns’ starting unit in the second half.

Landale missed a shot that would have tied the scores, Randall draining three straight long triples to push them ahead again for a historic victory.

Randall, 26, announced himself with a most-improved showing in the secondary NBA G League earlier this season.

“I think he was in tears and I understand why; it’s a big moment for everyone,” Randall said on court after a post-game phone call to his father.

“I told you, we’re not scared of nothing; I put my team against anybody.

“Playing in G league I found a rhythm and I’m locked in on the NBL season right now, will worry about the NBA when it comes.

“But I hoped everyone watched tonight; Adelaide is here.”

Owner Grant Kelley said it was an achievement second only to the club’s four championship wins.

“This was one of the most remarkable nights in the club’s long history,” he said.

“We were honoured to represent South Australia on an international stage and remind people what Adelaide and South Australia can achieve.”

Adelaide will complete its whistle-stop US tour against former player Josh Giddey’s Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

-AAP

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