Phoenix Suns lose preseason opener to Australia’s Adelaide 36ers in stunning upset at dwelling

The Phoenix Suns misplaced their preseason opener at dwelling to a hot-shooting Adelaide 36ers group from Australia’s Nationwide Basketball League 134-124 on Sunday night time.

The Suns, whose final sport at dwelling was a 33-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Recreation 7 of the Western Convention semifinals, grew to become the primary group to lose a preseason sport in opposition to a non-NBA group because the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in 2016 in opposition to Actual Madrid. Present Mavs famous person Luka Doncic performed on that Actual Madrid group, scoring 3 factors in his squad’s 142-137 extra time victory in opposition to OKC.

The 36ers — who usually play on the FIBA 3-point line, about 18 inches nearer than the NBA’s — shot 24-of-43 from lengthy distance. They had been led by Craig Randall, who performed briefly on the College of Memphis after which at Tennessee-Martin earlier than a cease within the G League, and Robert Franks, who mixed for 67 factors and 15 triples between them.

Randall related on 13 of 21 photographs, together with 9 of 17 from outdoors the arc, to guide all scorers with 35 factors, and Franks (32 factors) was 11-of-20 total and 6-of-10 from 3-point vary.

Cameron Payne led the Suns with 23 factors, whereas Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton added 22 apiece. Devin Booker had 13 factors.

Chris Paul had 12 assists for the Suns, whereas Mitch McCarron had 16 assists for Adelaide.

The Suns, who had one of the best document within the NBA final season at 64-18, lower into the 36ers’ lead within the second half, however could not overtake the guests as Randall scored 24 factors after halftime.

The 36ers obtained off to a quick begin behind 3-point capturing within the first half. Adelaide constructed the first-half result in as many as 16 by hitting 10 of its first 17 3-pointers.

The Suns had been attending to the rim and dominating offensively with Bridges and Ayton. However buying and selling baskets was to not Phoenix’s profit. And Adelaide continued its 3-point capturing contact all through the sport, whereas the Suns had been 9-of-34 from outdoors the arc.

The Adelaide 36ers completed seventh out of 10 groups within the NBL final season with a 10-18 document.

Adelaide will full its U.S. tour in opposition to Australian star Josh Giddey’s Thunder on Friday.

ESPN Stats & Info and The Related Press contributed to this report.