The Phoenix Suns lost their preseason opener to a hot-shooting Adelaide 36ers team in Australia’s National Basketball League 134-124 at home on Sunday night.
The Suns, whose last game at the Footprint Center was a 33-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, were their first non-NBA preseason appearances since the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016. Became the first team to lose a match. against Real Madrid.Current Mavs Superstars Luka Doncic Playing for that Real Madrid team, he scored three points in his team’s 142-137 extra-time victory over OKC.
The 36ers typically play at FIBA’s 3-point line, which is about 18 inches closer than the NBA, but went 24/43 from the distance.they were guided by Craig RandallPlayed briefly at the University of Memphis, then for the Tennessee Martins, before playing in the G League. Robert Frankscombined 67 points and 15 triples between them.
Randall connected on 13 of 21 shots, including 9 of 17 shots from outside the arc, leading all scorers with 35 points. range.
“We didn’t give them the respect they deserve as a professional team,” said Suns head coach Monty Williams. “It’s a great opportunity for us to learn.”
Cameron Payne Lead the Suns with 23 points. Michal Bridges When Deandre Ayton Add 22 each. Devin Booker It was 13 points.
Chris Paul Recorded 12 assists for the Suns. Mitch McCarron 16 assists for Adelaide.
The Suns starters played 22 minutes each. Williams admitted that they were all under time limits, and ended up playing a little longer than intended.
“I actually got them a little higher than I would have liked. They were competitive and they wanted to come back, but I didn’t let them come back,” Williams said. .
The Suns, who had the best 64-18 record in the NBA last season, took the 36ers’ lead in the second half but were unable to overtake the visitors as Randall scored 24 points after halftime.
The 36ers got off to a good start with a 3-point shot in the first half. Adelaide increased their first-half lead to 16 by hitting 10 of his 3-pointers in the first 17.
“I thought I wasn’t reading the game very well,” Williams said. “If they make some [3s] I didn’t expect them to keep shooting in the first quarter.”
The Suns approached the rim and dominated offensively on Bridges and Ayton. However, the basket deal did not benefit Phoenix. And Adelaide continued his shooting touch for three points throughout the match, with the Suns being his 9/34 from outside the arc.
The Adelaide 36ers finished 10-18 in the NBL last season, finishing 7th out of 10 teams.
Adelaide complete US tour against Australian star Josh GuiddyOklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
ESPN Stats & Information and Associated Press contributed to this report.
