Adams has an off-key day
An unlikely rookie trip to the NBA finals is becoming a distinct possibility for New Zealand’s Steven Adams.
Adams’ Oklahoma City outclassed San Antonio 105-92 on home court yesterday, squaring the best-of-seven Western Conference finals at 2-2.
The action now shifts back to San Antonio for game five tomorrow.
Adams again saw significant court time, with 26 minutes, although his statistical impact wasn’t as eye-catching as it was in game three.
The 20-year-old centre finished with four points (2/3 field goals), six rebounds and a block at a raucous Chesapeake Energy Arena.
He committed five fouls but missed both of his attempts from the free throw line.
Both of his successful shots were beauties; the first a skilful left-handed hook and the second an emphatic dunk on Spurs’ Tim Duncan.
The star of the show was the Thunder’s polarising point guard Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook is a lightning rod for criticism – too reckless on offence and not deferential to league MVP Kevin Durant – or so the argument goes.
No-one was complaining yesterday except the Spurs as he produced his best playoff performance: 40 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals.
He is the first player to record a playoff line like that since Michael Jordan in 1989.
‘‘I think I did Westbrook said.
It was a breathtaking combination of athleticism and fearlessness and the Spurs simply had no answer.
The Thunder led by as many as 27 midway through the third quarter as cranky San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich yanked his entire starting lineup.
Durant was no slouch himself with 31 points while San Antonio’s French duo of Tony Parker and Boris Diaw both had 14.
‘‘We have to go on the road and take care of business,’’ Durant said. ‘‘We feel a little better, but we’re not satisfied.’’
San Antonio won the first two games of the series easily on home court, but that was before Thunder forward Serge Ibaka was activated after recovering from a calf injury.
Ibaka – who like Adams is one of 18 children – was solid with nine points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Thunder have now beaten the Spurs seven times straight with Ibaka fit.
‘‘I thought about passing a pic-
all
right,’’ ture out on the bench so they’d know who Serge was,’’ Popovich said.
The only concern for Oklahoma City was guard Reggie Jackson spraining an ankle, although he was able to return to the court.
The Thunder fightback revives memories of the 2012 playoff series against the Spurs, when they came from 2-0 down to win the next four en route to the finals.
But this time Adams is along for the ride.
He is aiming to become just the second Kiwi to win an NBA ring, behind Spurs assistant coach Sean Marks.