George Berry: Steven Adams continues to expand his NBA menu

OPINION: Today, Americans celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving.

You know, that holiday where citizens of the star-spangled banner sit around the dinner table, feasting on turkey, and spreading happy thoughts and best wishes.

When it comes to Oklahoma City basketball general manager Sam Presti's turn to say what he's thankful for, one thing in particular should stand out - our very own Steven Adams.

Now playing in his sixth NBA season, the Kiwi centre has started to win recognition as one of the most intimidating players for any big man to match-up against.

Night after night, the 25-year-old treats rivals to his main course of threats. His tenacious offensive rebounding, ability to pass like a guard and overall brick-wall physique make players feel bloated, as the final buzzer sounds.

Thursday's win over the champion Golden State Warriors was a prime example. Adams kept opposing centre Damian Jones to a total of zero rebounds.

Yep, no rebounds.

That's almost unheard of for a starting centre. Warriors coach Steve Kerr was not short of compliments for the Kiwi after the game.

"Steven was dominant down there. He was just taking two people with him, no matter where he was.

"Tonight, he [Jones] was going up against one of the very best centres in the league."

Adams continues to be highly regarded by legends of the game. NBA champion and future Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was in awe of his 20-point/11-rebound performance.

"Steven Adams is so underrated, I love watching him play!"

Then comes dessert - the treats where Adams has already made gains on his stat-line just a quarter of the way through the season.

Adams is averaging a double-double so far this season, with 15.9 points and 10 rebounds, something he hasn't achieved in his career so far.

He has improved in five key stat averages - minutes, points, defensive rebounds, total rebounds, assists and steals.

Plus, there's a bonus side dish for Presti's Thanksgiving offering, with Adams committing less personal fouls on the season so far, something that has troubled him in years past.

Also apparent is Adams' role as the team's offensive facilitator. From the first play, you'll notice point guard Russell Westbrook feeding the ball straight into the post, where Adams will use his sheer strength to overpower opponents, before kicking it out to an open player for a basket.

This strategy is the reason behind his small, yet noticeable increase in assists per game.

It's simple, but the effects have been huge for the Thunder's record thus far. After losing their first four games of the season for the first time in franchise history, the Thunder now boast an 11-win six-loss record, sitting fourth equal in a log-jammed Western Conference.

It may have taken a while, but Steven Adams is finally getting the high profiled praise he deserves. He's now considered one of the Thunder's biggest threats on both ends of the floor and is serving up headaches for coaches across the league.

So feast on that, Kiwi fans. Steven Adams is well on track to become a top-five centre in the NBA.

George Berry is a Newshub sports reporter.