Adams perfect with 27 points

A perfect night for Steven Adams has netted the perfect result for the struggling Oklahoma City Thunder.

A career-high 27-point haul, in which the 24-year-old New Zealander did not miss a field goal attempt or free throw, proved just what the doctor ordered as the ailing Thunder topped the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-107 at Chesapeake Energy Arena yesterday to snap a three-game NBA losing skid and improve to 9-12 for the season.

Adams barely put a foot wrong all night in a bounce-back display from a sub-par last outing – a foulridden six points on three-of-10 shooting in a 121-108 blowout loss at the Orlando Magic.

But this time, back in front of his adoring home crowd, the big Kiwi could no wrong as he went a perfect 11 of 11 from the floor, five of five from the foul-line and added six rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot in a mesmerising display.

Just for good measure, the Thunder, who had lost five of their previous six, were a teambest +18 over the 32 minutes Adams was on the court. He even avoided fouling out late as he negotiated the last period of the game on five fouls.

It was one of those nights for the 2.13m Kiwi as he torched the T-Wolves with an array of inside moves as playmakers Russell Westbrook and Paul George found him inside on a regular basis.

He had nine points (on three-ofthree shooting) in the first quarter, another eight (making all four of his attempts) in the second, made just the single bucket in the third, but added a huge eight points down the stretch, including a massive offensive rebound and putback that put the Thunder up 107-102 with 26 seconds left.

The Thunder had exploded out of the blocks to lead 42-33 after one, with their most productive quarter of the season. But after getting out by as many as 21 in the second period, they again allowed their opponents back into the contest.

The Timberwolves closed to 64-54 at the half, 85-79 after three and made it a one possession game when they went on an 8-0 run with just over four minutes left.

But, after losing two tight ones to Minnesota earlier in the season, the Thunder managed to close this one out, in no small part thanks to Adams’ contribution, as well as a big night from George, who finished with 36 points (10/21 FG, 5/9 3PT), nine assists, four boards and three blocks.

The Kiwi was his usual humble self: ‘‘The ball just went in. That’s all you could ask for – hope for the best.’’

OKC host the San Antonio Spurs next up on Monday (NZT).