Adams delivers for OKC Thunder
Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams recorded a double-double and finished agonisingly close to his career high for points scored in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s latest game.
Adams, who shot a ridiculous 12/13 (92 per cent) from the field, poured in 25 points in the Thunder’s 148-124 road romp against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday morning (NZ time).
The 24-year-old centre, whose career-high for points scored in a single game is 27 (against the Timberwolves last year), added 10 rebounds, a block and an assist in the blowout win.
Adams and guard Paul George set the tone as the visitors stormed out to a 43-28 lead after the first quarter. It was the most points the Thunder, who improved to 26-20, had scored in the first quarter of a game this season.
George finished with a gamehigh 36 points, while Carmelo Anthony (29 points) and Russell Westbrook (23 points and 20 rebounds) also fired up. It was the second time in Westbrook’s career he finished a game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Westbrook, George, Anthony and Adams enjoyed extended time on the bench in the final quarter as Thunder coach Billy Donovan gave his usual bench riders extended playing time.
The Thunder will attempt to extend their four-game winning streak on Wednesday, when they host the the Brooklyn Nets (17-29).