Adams continues to produce goods for OKC

Steven Adams (Getty Images)
Steven Adams (Getty Images)

With additional reporting from Nick Metallinos in New York

Steven Adams is midway through his third season in the NBA, with the Kiwi centre now an integral part of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Adams is producing big numbers at both ends of the court, while he's also developed his own style and continues to charm the fans with his unique 'Kiwi-as' sense of humour.

After two-and-a-half seasons in the world's toughest basketball league, the 22-year-old has become accustomed to the NBA's hectic schedule, with up to four games a week and consecutive road games commonplace.

"It's just all about discipline and consistency, bro. That's, like, one of the hardest things to do, just 82 games, especially with our team, we're expecting to go a bit longer than 82 games. Just making sure you come to every game prepare," Adams said.

After experiencing the playoffs in his rookie season, Adams and the Thunder missed out in 2015 and that still burns the Kiwi.

"With last year's season, how it ended, just every game means so much and you have to, no matter what the team is, you have to come in really locked in and don't take for granted who you're playing because it comes back to get you in the end, and that really sucks when that happens."

The Thunder are well placed to make the postseason this year with Adams' toughness and ever improving offensive game one of their key weapons.

But his uncompromising physical style has seen him come second in the NBA's dirtiest player poll with Australian Matthew Dellavedova topping the list. Adams can only see the funny side.

"That poll, man, disrespectful, man. Put me at second? Come on, mate. Australians won? Australians win again, unbelievable, lack of diversity in there as well, only people from the southern hemisphere. It's not nice, man."

And it's not just his playing style making an impact. The once fresh-faced rookie has developed in his own unique, albiet hairy, appearance.

"I wanted to do the twirl with the moustache wax."

Adams refused to discuss his continuous snub of New Zealand basketball and the Tall Blacks, for now he remains the only Kiwi playing in the NBA and one of our top sporting talents on the global stage.

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