Craig Randall scored 35 points and Robert Franks finished with 32 as the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League used their 3-point shooting for a win over the Phoenix Suns.
Randall, who played briefly at the University of Memphis and then at Tennessee-Martin before a stop in the G League, connected on 13 of 21 shots, including 9 of 17 from outside the arc. Franks was 11 of 20 overall and 6 of 10 from 3-point range, part of the 36ers connecting on 24 of 43 from long distance.
Cameron Payne led the Suns with 23 points, while Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton added 22 apiece. Devin Booker had 13 points.
Chris Paul had 12 assists for the Suns, while Mitch McCarron had 16 assists for Adelaide.
The Suns, who had the best record in the NBA last season at 64-18, cut into the 36ers lead in the second half, but couldn’t overtake the visitors as Randall scored 24 points after halftime.
The 36ers got off to a fast start behind 3-point shooting in the first half. Adelaide built the first-half lead to as many as 16 by hitting 10 of its first 17 3-pointers.
Also of note, the 36ers normally play at the FIBA 3-point line, about 18 inches closer than the NBA’s.
The Suns were getting to the rim and dominating offensively with Bridges and Ayton. But trading baskets was not to Phoenix’s benefit. And Adelaide continued its 3-point shooting touch throughout the game, while the Suns were 9 of 34 from outside the arc.
