Kiwi Steven Adams and the Oklahoma City Thunder have got their NBA season off to a winning start, downing the Philadelphia Sixers 130-97 at a sold out Wells Fargo Center.
The lowly Sixers rode their impassioned home crowd from the outset as they matched the Thunder basket for basket through the first half, Adams contributing with some nice touches at both ends of the court for 12 points as the teams went into the interval tied at 51-51.
Rookie Sixers center Joel Embiid, finally playing his first NBA game after missing his first two season due to injury, showed his immense promise as the game ran down the stretch, engaging in a fascinating tussle with Adams at the defensive end.
Ultimately it was Adams who managed to come up with some key defensive stops as the game entered its dying stages, All Star teammate Russell Westbrook able to add the finishing touch with some critical late free throws.
The big man from Rotorua finished up with an impressive line of 16 points and five rebounds to go along with three steals.
Westbrook was the Thunder's best, finishing just shy of a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Oklahoma City now return home for their next match-up against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
Newshub.
