Adelaide 36ers have sent a message to NBL rivals by dismantling the Taipans 96-70 at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Rocked by the long-term injury loss of star centre Nate Jawai during the week, Cairns could not handle Adelaide's giant duo of Daniel Johnson and Mitch Creek.
Johnson finished with 30 points, while Mitch Creek chimed in with 17 in a dominant performance where the 36ers led at every change.
"It was a big win for us. It's tough to win up here. It's just good to come here and start the season off the right way," Johnson said.
He ran riot in Thursday night's first stanza, scoring 14 points at five from five from the floor. Former Taipan Nathan Sobey turned facilitator for the night with five assists.
Cairns could not hold onto the ball at times and again struggled with a full-court press, 12 turnovers cruelling any chances the home side had of a comeback.
Adelaide sit atop the NBL table after three games and will return home for a rematch on Saturday with Melbourne United. The 36ers lost by two points just a week ago to Melbourne.
"We've got to come out and try and pay them back. They played well over there but we are playing well at the moment so it should be a good contest," Johnson said.
The Taipans will play Brisbane next Friday and have said they'll use the week to find a replacement for Jawai.
They'll also take a positive from the 13-point performance of back-up guard Damon Heuir.
The Queensland state league standout finally proved he belonged in the NBL after several years riding the bench.
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