Another strong game from Steven Adams wasn't enough to save the Oklahoma City Thunder from a 113-109 loss to the Houston Rockets on Boxing Day (NZ time).
The 25-year-old was a force on the low block, getting plenty of touches and working his near-automatic jump-hook to great effect. He finished with an uber-efficient 17 points and seven rebounds on 8/11 shooting, with just one turnover.
But Adams' opposite, Clint Capela, got the better of the Kiwi on the glass – hauling in 23 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive end, while his MVP teammate James Harden stepped up with a huge line of 41 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Paul George was again the Thunder's best, notching 28 points to go with 14 rebounds and three steals.
The Thunder remain in third place in the NBA's Western Conference. They return home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
Newshub.