Adams passes fancy in OKC win against Sacramento

The Thunder led by 17 in the third quarter, so Saturday’s 110-94 win against Sacramento was leaning toward the creative side. Enter

The 7-footer caught a pass around the left elbow and let out a “woop” as he threw a no-look bounce pass to a cutting for the 19-point lead. You would have thought the active Adams was attacking a triple-double like Thunder coach

thinks Adams can be even better as a passer.

“Putting him in some of those situations, I think he sees the play,” Donovan said. “He doesn’t execute it always well, but his intentions are always positive.”

Saturday was a continuation of Adams’ strong play during the Thunder’s five-game winning streak. Adams had 16 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, his first double-double in a Thunder victory since Feb. 26.

Since the Thunder’s last loss to Portland in which Adams had one shot attempt, the skilled center has had six or more attempts in each of the Thunder’s five victories.

He also added two steals and a blocked shot Saturday.

McDermott credits coaches for surge

Maybe not conscious that a Westbrook tripledouble was on the line,

caught a pass from Westbrook in the fourth quarter, pump faked, drove to the basket and hit a floater.

Jokes aside, McDermott was more aggressive seeking his own shot off drives, posting 21 points Saturday, his most as a Thunder player, on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting.

He gave credit to Thunder assistants and who work with him before and after morning practices.

“(Vin’s) been the main one getting me in the gym,” McDermott said. “And you’re not going to see many better defenders out there (than Ivey). It’s good to have a guy that’s big and strong guarding you every day.”

Defense to offense

skied from across the lane and swatted the Kings’ shot off the backboard. Victor Oladipo surged forward, the ball immediately pushing to the offensive end.

McDermott finished the six-second sequence with a 3-pointer from the left wing.

Defense turned into offense for the Thunder against the Kings. The Thunder second unit, Oladipo included, was able to extend its lead to 18 with Westbrook out of the game in the first half.

The Thunder’s nonstarters were a combined plus-36 in scoring margin when in the game.

Kruger sees Hield

OU men’s basketball coach didn’t get to see play the first time he was in Oklahoma City with the Pelicans this season.

He was on hand Saturday.

Kruger said he’s been able to watch even more of Hield now that his former guard is playing on the west coast.

Hield, who received a loud ovation before the game, had 11 points for the Kings.

“It’s always good to have him in Oklahoma for sure,” Kruger said, surrounded by purple No. 24 Hield jerseys. “It’s nice to see the reception he got during the introductions today. Oklahoma people appreciate all that he did.”

Tip-ins

Kanter (14 points) has scored 14 or more points in every game of the Thunder’s five-game winning streak. … The Thunder improved to 9-5 when Adams has a double-double this season . ... The Thunder is a season-high 11 games over .500.

BY ERIK HORNE

Can the Thunder land a star to pair with Russell Westbrook? Here’s a look at All-Star players who could potentially be on the move this summer:

32

forward

27

Small/power

Anthony wants to play with LeBron James, Chris Paul or Dwyane Wade. The Knicks wanted Kevin Love from the Cavaliers, but Cleveland wouldn’t budge. The Clippers haven’t been past the second round even with multiple All-Stars. Westbrook may be Anthony’s best option to team up with a star and young talent with upside.

Anthony has a no-trade clause and loves playing in New York. The aforementioned relationships with James, Paul and Wade are strong.

Small forward/ shooting guard

Butler’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors since last offseason . ... The Bulls and Thunder have done business before . ... Butler’s contract (two years, $36.2 million remaining) is a bargain under the new projected salary cap of $102 million.

The Bulls may want more than the Thunder can offer . ... Last offseason and at the Feb. 23 trade deadline, respectively, Chicago reportedly had deals with Minnesota and Boston rebuffed. Those teams had (and still have) higher draft picks, better assets to offer.

26 Small forward

Signed through 2017-18 season . ... Coming from Indianapolis, an Oklahoma City-esque smaller market . ... Like Butler, George was linked to Boston at the trade deadline.

Like Westbrook, George has a player option for 2018-19 in which he can become a free agent. ... Rumored to want to play for the Lakers . ... Is Thunder willing to trade assets for potentially only one season of George? … Like Chicago, the Pacers’ asking price may be too high.

28 Power forward

Oklahoma City native and University of Oklahoma product with family here . ... Can exercise early termination clause to become free agent this summer . ... Clippers may want to get value in draft day trade rather than lose Griffin for nothing. … Current Clippers core has never advanced past the second round.

Griffin has carved out an entertainment career outside of basketball in L.A. … Clippers have expressed desire to re-sign both Griffin and Chris Paul.

26 Small forward

Has player option in 2017-18 and is expected to opt out to become a free agent this summer . ... Coming from a smaller market in Salt Lake City.

Utah’s on the rise with Hayward as its centerpiece, and will want to re-sign him long-term. ... The Thunder will be over the salary cap with Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo’s extensions kicking in, so signing Hayward outright can’t happen barring massive Thunder change via trades . ... Utah can offer an additional year (five years) on a new deal as opposed to four for any other team in free agency.

32 Power forward

Has player option in 2017-18 and is expected to opt out and become a free agent . ... Atlanta made him available for trade at the deadline. ...Thunder may be able to get Millsap for less on draft day since trade value will be lower because of his impending free agency.

Does the Thunder want to invest long-term in a 32-year-old Millsap at the amount of money he’ll command on his next contract?

BY ERIK HORNE