Phoenix Sun Aron Baynes sets Aussie NBA records in big win over Portland Trailblazers

Phoenix Suns big man Aron Baynes has produced one of the greatest NBA performances by an Australian, breaking a host of records thanks to a remarkable sharpshooting effort that bodes well for the Boomers Olympic hopes.

Aron Baynes drains a three during his recordbreaking night for the Suns. Picture: AP Photo

Phoenix gorilla Aron Baynes has stunned the NBA, putting together arguably the best game ever by an Australian.

Baynes’ incredible 37-point outburst against Portland surpassed compatriots Ben Simmons and Patty Mills (34) breaking the record for most points scored in a game by someone from Down Under.

The hulking 33-year-old was like a laser beam from deep, draining nine three pointers — two more than Mills’ Australian record of seven — tying a franchise record and leading the Suns to a 127-117 victory.

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Aron Baynes drains a three during his recordbreaking night for the Suns. Picture: AP Photo

After making just four three pointers through his first six NBA seasons, Baynes has shown increased proficiency from the outside — but never like this.

He hit his first five three-point attempts — one particularly ludicrous step back channelling Houston Rockets superstar James Harden.

Inexplicably, Baynes had not reached double digits in his previous 12 games but, with starting centre DeAndre Ayton out, it was the Aussie’s time to shine.

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“It was one of those things, it can be funny in the NBA like that,” Baynes said.

“One thing we’ve done well as a team all year is next man up mentality.

“I wasn’t trying to celebrate, wasn’t trying to think about it too much, just trying to move on to the next play.

Aron Baynes blocks the shot of Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony. Picture: AP

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Phoenix Sun Aron Baynes sets Aussie NBA records in big win over Portland Trailblazers

Typical of the team-first Baynes, he says he “wasn’t really thinking about” his hot night, but acknowledged the fans — who went wild whenever he touched the ball — made it “fun”.

“It’s definitely a fun thing — you try and feed off it a bit,” he said.

“It’s great having fans out there, especially when they’re loud and exhilarated and it gives us energy.”

He paid tribute for his former coach in Boston Brad Stevens for helping cultivate his three-point shot.

“It’s something I’ve always worked on, big credit to Brad Stephens when I was in Boston he saw that I’d been working on it and he said ‘look, the best shot for our team is you taking that three and I need you to do that’ so when your head coach is giving you that confidence, it rubs off and (Phoenix coach) Monty’s (Williams) been the same.

“For myself I’m putting in the work and big credit to the coaching staff and everybody who’s helped me.”

It was fitting Baynes would join former MVP Harden as the only two players in NBA history to register more than 35 points, 15 rebounds and nine three pointers in a game.

Not a bad tune up ahead of the Olympics.

Originally published as Phoenix Sun Aron Baynes sets Aussie NBA records in big win over Portland Trailblazers