NBA: Kiwi centre Steven Adams' incredible act of sportsmanship to protect safety of Mason Plumlee

Kiwi NBA big man Steven Adams has sacrificed two points for the welfare of an opposition centre in his team's loss against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday (NZ time).

Adams faked a shot after a pass from MVP guard Russell Westbrook. Aware of Adams' inside threat, Mason Plumlee leapt in the air to try and block the Kiwi.

But he ended up landing on Adams' back. The 25-year-old was aware and stayed down and was able to break the American's fall.

He grabbed Plumlee to ensure there was no injury threat to the 28-year-old.

Commentators praised the Oklahoma City Thunder centre's effort.

"Adams making sure he's okay - that's a great sportsmanship play by Adams."

"Instead of going up to get the 'and-one', he cared about him; he held him up to make sure he didn't hit his head."

Newshub.