Aron Baynes has just achieved the best high score performance by an Australian in NBA history. It is not a hyperbole.
We saw a three-point shooting performance for the ages, driving dunks in the lane and a monster appearing on the boards as the big man took over in the Phoenix 127-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers .
At the end of a busy Saturday (AEDT), Baynes finished with a new career record – and an Australian record of 37 points, with 16 rebounds, marking what has already been an impressive contract year for the 33 year olds – old.
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He shot 12 of 23 from the field, including 9 of 14 from downtown; the nine three points also makes a new career high for the Queensland native.
In his first six seasons in the NBA, Baynes had only four shots in total at three points, but since joining the Boston Celtics has added shooting to his game. , he credited Celtics head coach Brad Stevens for giving him confidence in his lineup.
“It has been a number of coaches over a number of years … but a big thank you to Brad Stevens for giving me the go-ahead and the confidence to go out and take the shot down,” said Baynes at Fox Sports Arizona. , on the evolution of his three-point sweater over the years.
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“He told me it was the best move for our team if I stayed open, and I had to go out and shoot. When your head coach tells you and gives you that confidence, that kind of thing happens. “
Baynes opened the evening with 19 points in the first quarter, making five attempts at three points, while the Suns took a double-digit lead.
He did not calm down and finally raised his suns to a victory over another Western Conference team; Monty Williams’ group has gone 25-38 this season.
“It was excellent,” said Baynes teammate Devin Booker.
“He freed up a lot of space for a lot of people tonight. When ground spaces like this, especially against a Portland team, the way they defend … I think it opened up the field and helped us out. “
Booker finished with 23 points and 12 assists for the Suns, while Ricky Rubio had 13 points and 10 assists.
For the Trail Blazers, CJ McCollum led the way with 25 points, Damian Lillard had 24 points, while Hassan Whiteside posted 23 points and 20 rebounds.
With nine three points, Baynes tied the Suns game record for most downtown brands, matching Channing Frye and Quentin Richardson.
“I had no idea,” said Baynes of the franchise record after the game. “I was just trying to go out there and make the right games, and Book was doing a great job of moving the ball; they blamed him, and they made big decisions all night. Same thing with Ricky.
“These guys put the ball in the open position for me, and I’m trying to go over there and drop the shot, like we work every day.”
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Olgun Uluc is the senior basketball reporter for Fox Sports Australia. Twitter: @OlgunUluc