The Cairns Taipans have recorded three straight National Basketball League wins for the first time with a 101-86 victory over Adelaide.

The Taipans overcame a sluggish start to comfortably defeat the 36ers at the newly re-christened Home Dome.

Cairns' three victories is easily the best start in its five-year history.

The bigger Taipans line-up dominated the boards, claiming 62 rebounds to Adelaide's 43.

Imports Marcus Timmons (34 points, 6 rebounds) and Melvin Thomas (12 points, 13 rebounds) continued their impressive start to the season, with Cairns cruising home after carrying a 22-point lead into three-quarter time.

Cairns made its move in the second quarter, outscoring the 36ers 30-13 and silencing the expectant crowd of 5,589, which included tennis star Lleyton Hewitt.

Thomas grabbed eight rebounds in the second term and provided first class service to his teammates.

After halftime the Taipans dominance under the basket was also extended to the field and their opponents grew increasingly frustrated.

Adelaide coach Phil Smyth exchanged heated words with the referees on numerous occasions as the game slipped away.

This had looked unlikely in the first quarter when the 36ers gained the early momentum through Mark Nash, who scored the first seven points of the game.

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