“I ain’t never seen anything like this,” was the only words uttered by Phoenix Suns great and NBA TV commentator Eddie Johnson in the final quarter of the first NBLxNBA game.
On Monday (Manila time), history happened.
For the first time in seven years, an NBA team fell to a club team outside of North America.
NBL’s Adelaide scored a stunning 134-124 victory over NBA’s Phoenix at the Footprint Center — the first time an Aussie team defeated an American squad in the professional basketball scene.
The 36ers became the first non-NBA team to win a pre-season game since Fenerbachce beat Brooklyn Nets in 2015.
Kai Sotto provided solid numbers for Adelaide, tallying 11 points, two rebounds, and two steals in the victory.
Sotto helped push the 36ers to a strong star, powering his side to a 57-41 lead midway through the second quarter.
Chris Paul though would steer the Suns, cutting the lead to 82-81 in the third quarter.
That’s when the 36ers made it rain from deep, eventually notching the upset win.
Craig Randall drained nine triples for 35 points while Robert Franks added 32 markers built on six treys.
Antonius Cleveland had 22 points and five rebounds, Daniel Johnson scored 15 markers, and Mitch McCarron tallied 16 assists, nine rebounds, and four points.
Cameron Payne led Phoenix with 23 points while DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges had 22 points each.
Up next for Adelaide will be Oklahoma City on October 7.
