Kiwi Steven Adams has played a critical hand in helping the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly avoid a stunning upset loss to NBL side Melbourne United at Chesapeake Arena.
The 24-year-old made baskets at crucial moments down the stretch of their back and forth pre-season contest, before Thunder forward Josh Huestis ensured the hosts closed out an 86-85 win with a pair of clutch blocks in the game's final possession.
Adams terrorised the Victorians on the offensive glass, finishing the game with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with a couple of blocks.
While deemed a pre-season warm-up the Thunder clearly weren't holding back, playing their full complement of stars in what appeared to be close to their intended NBA regular season rotation.
After stating a couple of days earlier that he didn't "expect s**t" from the Australian side, point guard and reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook struggled to get his shot to fall, posting a final line of nine points, five rebounds, and seven assists in his 28 minutes.
OKC's marquee off-season acquisitions made their presence felt, with Carmelo Anthony notching 19 points and Paul George 21, both players pulling down seven rebounds apiece.
Casper Ware was the stand-out for the Melbourne side with 20 points, including six three-pointers, while former Breaker Tai Wesley filled the stat sheet with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Newshub.