Kiwi Steven Adams held his own against the New Orleans Pelicans' recently-formed 'twin towers', helping his Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-110 win at Chesapeake Arena.
The 24-year-old was faced with the daunting prospect of helping to contain the imposing Pelicans frontcourt featuring superstars Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the latter acquired just days ago in the season's biggest blockbuster trade.
Adams ultimately posted 13 points and 10 boards to move him into the league's top 30 for double-doubles on the season, with the Thunder advancing to 3-0 on the year against the lowly Pelicans.
The Rotorua-product was physical from the outset in a clear bid to unsettle and provoke the talented, yet notoriously temperamental, Cousins. It took just 30 seconds for the two to become entangled, resulting in technical fouls for each player, with Cousins eventually fouling out of the game as the contest entered it's critical waning stages.
Adams' work on the offensive glass was again a significant contributing factor to the Thunder's success, pulling down nine of his ten total boards on the attacking end of the court to create multiple second chance opportunities for juggernaut Russell Westbrook to recycle.
Westbrook finished with a monster line of 41 points, 11 boards, and 11 assists - his 29th triple-double of the season. Davis was the pick of the Pelicans with 38 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The Thunder are now in the midst of a three game win streak and have consolidated 7th spot on the Western Conference ladder.
They remain at home for their next game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday (NZ Time).
Newshub.
